Three Romanians have died after contracting West Nile Virus from mosquito bites.
There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the virus, which is transmitted by mosquito bites.
More than 10% of mosquitoes in Romania carry the virus, according to a recent study by Cantacuzino Institute in Bucharest.
This week, at least seven people in Romania over 50 years old were infected with the virus. Three died from complications, Libertatea reported.
Most cases were diagnosed after the patients arrived at the hospital with meningitis or meningoencephalitis, an infection of the meninges and brain.
In rare cases, patients experience a serious infection of the nervous system after contracting the virus, leading to paralysis, convulsions, loss of vision and coma.
However, eight out of ten people infected show no symptoms. The elderly or people with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable to the virus.
People are advised to cover up when visiting areas with a lot of vegetation and high humidity to avoid being bitten. Other recommendations include anti-mosquito sprays, inets on windows and coverage of empty water containers where mosquitoes can breed and multiply.
