Virus alarm in mosquitoes: One in 10 people dies

Mosquito-borne diseases have reached record levels in Europe this year. Experts have issued epidemic warnings, particularly citing rising cases of West Nile virus and chikungunya. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has announced that West Nile virus could cause the largest outbreaks ever on the continent.

The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and affects the nervous system. One in 10 people infected with the disease dies. The Asian tiger mosquito, which caused the spread of the disease, was seen in 114 regions in Europe 10 years ago, but today it has spread to 369 regions. This species is also found in Istanbul.

This year, 335 cases of West Nile virus have been detected in Europe. Ten people have died in Romania and Italy. This figure is the highest in three years.

IT CAN CAUSE FATAL CONSEQUENCES

Speaking to NTV, Prof. Dr. Bülent Ertuğrul listed the symptoms of the disease as muscle and joint pain, weakness, and fatigue. However, the disease is more severe in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. In these cases, the virus, which can cause inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, can have fatal consequences.