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Serbia has confirmed its first human case of West Nile fever. The patient is an 80-year-old male from the Belgrade region, the Institute of Public Health “Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut” announced.
Batut’s statement added that another case of infection was registered in the Machivan region of Greece, the possible site of infection.
They added that this year, as of July 17, seven human cases of West Nile fever had been reported in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Community (EEA), namely Greece (4 cases), Italy (2 cases) and Spain (1).
West Nile fever is a seasonal disease, transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The main vector, i.e. the transmitter of West Nile virus, is Culex pipiens, a mosquito species also domesticated in Serbia. The West Nile virus transmission season in Serbia usually lasts from June to November.
To reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus, the Serbian Institute of Public Health recommends personal protection against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent on exposed parts of the body when outdoors, wearing light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants.
Batu added that it is best to wear comfortable clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, and avoid being outdoors during the periods when mosquito activity is most intense (dusk and dawn).
They also recommend using mosquito nets on doors, windows and around beds, and staying in air-conditioned rooms, as the number of insects is greatly reduced in these conditions.
It is also recommended to avoid areas with a high concentration of insects, such as forests and swamps.
In case of travel abroad, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, Batu recommends mandatory compliance with all the mentioned precautions and immediate contact with the chosen doctor in case of any symptoms consistent with the neuroinvasive form of the disease.
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