Netherlands Reports Four More West Nile Virus Deaths, Taking Toll to Nine
Four more people in the Netherlands have died from West Nile virus infection in recent weeks, the public health institute RIVM said on October 1, taking the country's death toll this year to nine, amid increased cases across Europe.
Total infections in the Netherlands have risen to 56. The first locally contracted West Nile infection in six years was reported in August, and cases climbed thereafter. RIVM said the outbreak had likely reached its peak, as new infections have dropped in recent weeks.
The virus spreads to people mainly through mosquito bites and can cause severe illness in about one in 150 people infected, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO says warmer temperatures are giving mosquitoes more time and territory to spread the virus across Europe, which has experienced a record series of heatwaves this year.
Cases have also climbed in Greece and Italy. Dutch health authorities advise protection during peak mosquito activity and prompt medical attention for symptoms such as high fever.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：正在人皮肤上吸血的雌性库蚊，西尼罗病毒的主要传播媒介。摄影：美国疾病控制与预防中心（CDC），公有领域，来源：Wikimedia Commons
