The Republic of Moldova hasn’t been affected by the West Nile virus that caused 13 deaths in Romania this summer. There were 61 recorded cases of West Nile infection in Romania on August 30, the country ranking second in Europe by the number of such cases after Italy.

Contacted by IPN, epidemiologist of the National Food Safety Agency Arcadie Guţu said cases of infection can appear in Moldova too. The virus is spread by travelling birds. These come in contact with mosquitos that can easily pass the virus to humans.

The epidemiologist noted that the hot weather alternated with rainy weather this year and this favored the reproduction of mosquitos. The situation is difficult in the Danube Delta, where there are many migratory birds and mosquitos.

According to Arcadie Guţu, the disease has symptoms typical of flu, such as headaches, fever of 39-40 degrees, muscle pain, pain in the globe of the eye, etc. Most of the cases are treated, but there is the risk of complications, especially in the case of elderly people and children, who can develop encephalitis and meningitis and face a death threat.

Among the preventative measures are the monitoring of the state of health of birds, informing of veterinary specialists about sick birds and bird bodies, regular replacement of the water used by birds, placing of mosquito nets at windows, obeying of the rules of protection against mosquitos by persons who travel in areas with infection risks, etc.