A case of West Nile virus contamination was detected in Nice on October 20. The infected person is now in good health. The Regional Agency calls on residents to be vigilant.
This is the first contamination for two years in France. A person was diagnosed with West Nile virus on Friday October 20 in Nice. According to the Regional Health Agency, she is now healed and in good health.
20% of severe forms
In 80% of cases, people infected with the virus show no symptoms, according to the World Health Organization. Conversely, when West Nile fever is declared, it can develop into a fatal neurological disease. In this case, it becomes West Nile meningitis. WHO estimates that only 1 in 150 infected people develop this severe form of the disease.
Birds and a mosquito
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, which are themselves infected by birds. Humans are considered to be an “accidental host” for the disease because they cannot transmit the virus.
The ARS insists on the need to put in place several measures, in particular control and temporary restrictions for the collections of blood products and the removal of organs from inhabitants of the Alpes-Maritimes. As well as a search for other cases in health establishments in the region which have an emergency department, and in the laboratory of the CHU de Nice.
Protective measures
The inhabitants are called upon to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Purchase of an electric diffuser for the interior of the house, insecticidal snakes for the exterior or skin repellent, several protections are possible.
According to the European Center for Disease and Control, cited by the ARS, several cases have been reported in Europe in recent weeks. Nine in Romania, four in Italy, two in Hungary and one in Greece.
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