Health Ministry: 543 diagnosed with West Nile virus since outbreak’s start, death toll reaches 36

The number of patients diagnosed with West Nile virus has risen to 543, the Health Ministry says.

A total of 36 people who were diagnosed with the virus have died since the outbreak began in June.

West Nile fever is a disease caused by the West Nile virus. About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms at all. About 20% may experience varying degrees of 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, according to the ministry.

The ministry recommends that people use mosquito repellent products and suitable devices to repel mosquitoes in living areas.

The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly species of mosquitoes that feed on birds. The virus does not spread from person to person.