Mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus have been detected in Bucharest.
The city hall has intensified its attempts to eliminate the insects.
Dr. Emilian Popovici, the vice-president of the Romanian Society for Epidemiology, has stated that the virus came about in Bucharest as a result of preventative measures having been taken.
The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquito bites and is favored by the high temperatures and heat waves following abundant rainfall.
Symptoms include fevers, headaches, muscle soreness or dizziness. But it can also lead to encephalitis or meningitis, and in such cases hospitalization is imperative.
Recommended means of avoiding infection are as follows:
- wearing long sleeves and long trousers,
- using mosquito repellent,
- using insecticides in and around the house,
- using mosquito nets at doors and windows,
- sterilizing local ponds and puddles,
- and removing old water bottles and taking the garbage out frequently.
