A case of West Nile fever registered in Sofia

A case of West Nile fever has been registered in Sofia, according to the report of Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate for the period 23-29 September 2024. Seven cases of the infection were registered in the capital in the previous reporting week. A total of 15 cases of West Nile fever were confirmed in Sofia for September this year, according to the reports published on the inspection's website.

West Nile virus infection is transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur between July and September when mosquitos are active, the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD) explains. 80% of infected people have no are symptoms.

About 20% of WNV infections in humans may cause West Nile fever (WNF), characterised by headache, malaise, fever, myalgia, vomiting, rash, fatigue, eye pain.

Less than one per cent may cause West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) that affects the nervous system, risk factors being old age, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, etc. The incubation period is from three days to two weeks. There is no specific treatment for the disease, including the administration of antibiotics. Those infected are given supportive care. No vaccine has been developed to combat the virus in humans.