BUCHAREST, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Romania has reported 49 cases of West Nile virus infection, including three deaths, between June 2 and Oct. 30, public health authorities said on Monday.
Of the total, 41 cases were confirmed and eight were considered probable, according to the National Institute of Public Health. The majority of infections were recorded in Bucharest with 16 cases, followed by the eastern counties of Galati and Braila with six and five cases respectively, and Ilfov with four. Additional cases were recorded across 14 other counties.
Older adults were most affected, with four patients over 80 years old, 22 aged 70 to 79, 10 aged 60 to 69, and eight aged 50 to 59. Few cases were reported in younger age groups, including two in their 30s and one aged 10 to 19.
Health authorities urged the public to take preventive measures to reduce mosquito exposure, including wearing protective clothing, using repellents, installing window screens, and removing standing water near homes.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, about 80 percent of infected people show no symptoms, but the virus can cause severe neurological disease and death. ■
