Istanbul: Five probable locally acquired West Nile virus infections have been detected in northern Belgium for the first time, with one person hospitalized, the Belgian Health Department announced on Friday. The cases were identified in the provinces of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant, regions within Flanders, where infections in birds and horses have also been reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, confirmatory tests are still underway for these cases. Of the five individuals, four exhibited neurological symptoms, with one requiring hospitalization. The health department emphasized that the risk of infection and subsequent illness remains low among the general population.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Approximately 80% of infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms, while those who do generally experience mild symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, or fatigue. However, about 1% of those infected develop severe symptoms, with older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems being at a higher risk.
The emergence of locally acquired infections in Belgium was not entirely unexpected, following recent detections of the virus in birds and horses, indicating its circulation among the local bird and mosquito populations. "We expect additional cases until the end of the mosquito season in October. The risk diminishes as days grow shorter and temperatures drop," stated Health Department spokeswoman Anneleen De Sadeleer.
De Sadeleer further mentioned that the number of detected infections could reflect increased testing and heightened awareness among medical professionals, in addition to the broader circulation of West Nile virus across Europe. The department has taken steps to inform general practitioners, hospitals, and other healthcare providers about the current epidemiological situation and the symptoms to watch for.
In response, care homes and assisted living facilities in Antwerp and Flemish Brabant have been briefed about the virus and advised on protective measures to shield residents from mosquito bites. It is important to note that mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are most active during dusk and nighttime, and the virus is not transmitted directly between people or from horses to humans.