How Many People Have Contracted West Nile Fever in Armenia

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports: Concerns regarding the West Nile virus, transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, continue to deepen, with over 40 reported cases of infection already in Armenia, and one fatality.

There are reports that the number of deceased has increased, and that nearly 40 people have been infected, but official figures from the state department vary.

"Zhoghovurd" reached out to the Ministry of Health to clarify how many deaths have been registered as a result of the mosquito-transmitted virus. They informed us that one fatality has been registered; the patient had several accompanying chronic illnesses.

According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health, there has been a registered case of West Nile fever in Armenia, which was transmitted through a mosquito bite. As a result of the infection, one person has died, and another 20 have been hospitalized. The Center noted that 80% of those infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, but in 1% of cases, serious neurological complications may develop, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

It should be noted that the first suspected case of the infection and the fatality were recorded as early as the first days of August; however, the Ministry of Health did not disclose this information. The public only learned of this a few days ago, from published materials in the media, where the director of the national center for disease control and prevention confirmed the information about the death.

We observe that the Ministry has done nothing to dispel the existing anxieties, fears, and doubts in society. Just one day ago, on August 19, a warning was published: "A case of West Nile fever transmission through mosquito bite has been registered in Armenia, reports the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health. As a result of the infection, one person has died, and another 20 have been hospitalized. The Center noted that approximately 80% of infected individuals do not develop symptoms, but in 1% of cases, serious neurological complications may develop, such as encephalitis or meningitis."

As for the virus's spread, a press conference was only held yesterday, while regular updates, interviews, and various publications should have been made since the beginning of the month to inform people about this infection.

However, the team that has failed in health policy continues its public policy implementation with the same arrogant self-assurance, subjecting an already stressed and anxious public to more stress, neglecting the epidemic control of infectious diseases and failing to engage the relevant specialists.

If there had been at least 'half a doctor' among the minister and deputy ministers at the Ministry of Health, immediate consultations would have been convened after the first suspected cases of infection, mobilizing all infectious disease specialists in the republic to formulate a coherent policy, gather opinions, and determine necessary actions.

As for the lawyer Minister Anahit Avanesyan, she is losing in the courts due to her decisions; how can she prevent the spread of infectious diseases as the number one government official in this sector?