First case of West Nile fever in Armenia reported in patient diagnosed with meningitis of unknown origin

The first case of the West Nile fever has been recorded in Armenia.

It was reported in a patient at the Armenian National Center for Infectious Diseases who was diagnosed with meningitis of unknown origin.

West Nile fever is an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, informed the aforesaid center.

This infection most commonly occurs in birds, but humans and some mammals can also become infected. Eighty percent of the cases of West Nile fever in humans are asymptomatic.

Most cases of the West Nile fever are recorded between July and September, which coincides with the period when mosquitoes are active.

Widespread in tropical and subtropical zones, but with the development of tourism, it is detected in some other countries as well.

West Nile fever is not transmitted from person to person, but can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and mother-to-child transmission.

The latent period of this disease is two to three weeks.

Personal protective measures to prevent contracting West Nile fever include using mosquito repellents, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, and sleeping in mosquito-proof areas.

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