Breaking News
European Health Authorities Worry as West Nile Virus Spreads Across the Continent
Date: March 12, 2023
European health officials are sounding the alarm as a growing number of cases of West Nile virus have been reported across the continent, sparking widespread concern and prompting swift action to contain the outbreak.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 50 people in 10 European countries have fallen ill with the virus, which is primarily spread by mosquitoes. The majority of cases have been reported in Greece, Romania, and Italy, but outbreaks have also been detected in France, Spain, Croatia, and others.
"This is an escalating situation, and we urge citizens to take immediate action to protect themselves from mosquito bites," said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO spokesperson. "We are working closely with our European partners to contain the spread of this virus and prevent further cases."
Health officials are warning that the virus, which can cause severe neurological symptoms, has the potential to spread rapidly due to its ability to be transmitted through mosquito bites, blood transfusions, and even from mother to child during pregnancy.
The European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) has issued guidelines for individuals living in or traveling to affected areas, recommending that they take the following precautions:
- Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, when outdoors
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing
- Eliminate standing water around homes and buildings to prevent mosquito breeding
- Install window and door screens to prevent mosquito entry
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
Related Tags: West Nile virus, European outbreak, mosquito-borne illness, health alerts, travel advisories, public health concern, WHO, ECDC.
Additional Tags: COVID-19, pandemic, global health, infectious diseases, medical news, European health authorities, disease outbreak, public health preparedness, health education.
Note: The content is fictional, but the format and tags are realistic and SEO-friendly.
Preocupación en Europa por el virus del Nilo
View info-news.info by PacoGilGon