Six cases of West Nile virus detected in Turkey in 2024

The Turkish Health Ministry announced that six cases of West Nile Virus had been detected in 2024. The infection spreads through mosquito bites and has no risk of human-to-human transmission.

Friday August 23 2024 12:34 pm

Duvar English

Turkey’s Health Ministry on Aug. 23 announced that six cases of West Nile Virus had been detected in 2024.

In a written statement, the ministry explained that the infection spread through the bites of mosquitoes carrying the virus. The statement noted, "The disease is generally seasonal and occurs throughout the summer and early autumn. It does not spread directly from person to person."

Batı Nil Virüsü Enfeksiyonu, virüsü taşıyan sivrisineklerin sokmasıyla bulaşan viral bir hastalıktır. Hastalık genelde mevsimsel olup yaz boyunca ve sonbaharın erken dönemlerinde görülmektedir. Hastalık, kişiden kişiye doğrudan bulaşmamaktadır.

Ülkemizde 2010 yılından itibaren…
— T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı (@saglikbakanligi) August 22, 2024

The statement also mentioned that the virus had been present in Turkey since 2010. "West Nile Virus Infection, which has been observed in our country since 2010, was detected in six people in 2024. The monitoring and treatment of our patients are ongoing. Our Ministry is conducting the necessary work, and the process is being closely followed. Current developments will be shared with the public," the statement read.

The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, nausea and vomiting.

Experts recommend that people follow protective measures against mosquitoes, including using insect repellents, mosquito nets and being aware of stagnant water bodies.