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Monday, August 19, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 19, 2024
858 people diagnosed with West Nile virus since start of outbreak, Health Ministry says
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A mosquito bites a person. (iStock from Getty Images/fotomarekka)
The number of patients diagnosed with the West Nile virus rose to 858 as of today, the Health Ministry says.
A total of 62 people who were diagnosed with the virus have died since the outbreak began in June.
Infected mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus to humans. The virus does not spread from person to person.
About 80% of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. About 20% may experience varying symptoms, including fever, headaches, and body aches.
Less than 1% of those infected will have possible rare complications such as acute inflammation of the brain or meningitis.
The risk of significant illness is higher among the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
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