West Nile Virus Transmitted by Mosquitoes Reported in Armenia; One Person Has Died

For the first time in Armenia, the West Nile virus, transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, has been reported, resulting in one death and around 20 individuals hospitalized, according to Azatutyun.

According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDCP), the condition of those hospitalized is assessed as ranging from moderate to severe, with the youngest being 25 years old and the oldest 65. All of them have chronic and severe illnesses, and the deceased was also in a high-risk category, aged over 60.

The virus, in advanced stages, can lead to complications such as meningitis or encephalitis. People with chronic or severe health issues and the elderly are at higher risk.

Stepan Atoyan, director of the NCDCP, stated that healthy individuals typically experience mild symptoms. There is no specific treatment for the disease; treatment is based on symptoms, and there is also no vaccine for this virus.

Atoyan mentioned that the percentage of the population in the at-risk group will be clarified after additional studies.