High Risk of Infection with Dengue Fever or West Nile Virus

Yerevan State Medical University Rector Armen Muradyan writes, "Protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially when living or staying in areas with a high risk of infection with Dengue fever or West Nile virus. The West Nile virus is a viral infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks; it is not transmitted from person to person. The main reservoirs of the virus are birds and some animals (mainly horses). It's also important to note that the primary breeding environment for mosquitoes is water bodies.

For prevention, it is recommended to:

• Use insect repellent methods and devices to protect against mosquitoes
• Wear closed clothing when visiting forested areas and water bodies
• Avoid creating stagnant water landscape objects in summer houses to prevent favorable conditions for mosquito breeding
• Consult a doctor immediately if symptoms appear after a mosquito bite
• Apply insecticides in areas where vectors gather and breed
• Frequently empty, wash, and clean water storage containers
• Sleep under mosquito-protective nets
• Dewater swamps where mosquitoes breed
• Avoid being in high-risk areas during the day without using repellents, as mosquitoes mainly bite during daytime.

It is notable that in Armenia, 20 cases of West Nile virus have been recorded, resulting in 1 death. All patients (aged 25-65) have been hospitalized, and their conditions are assessed as moderate to severe. It should be mentioned that the disease generally has a mild course, although in some cases, neurological complications can develop, including meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Mild cases are characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, rash, and eye pain. At-risk groups include individuals with chronic or severe diseases, the elderly, and children.