WEST NILE FEVER IN THE KYIV REGION

In 2024, a significant increase in the incidence of West Nile fever was recorded in the Kyiv region.

West Nile fever - is a viral disease most often transmitted through mosquito bites. The main source and reservoir of West Nile virus in nature is migratory birds, which have high concentrations of the virus in their blood, with some small mammals, rodents and bats being of much lesser importance as a reservoir. The virus is spread through mosquito bites, which then transmit it to humans and/or animals.

As of 01.10.2024, 21 laboratory-confirmed cases of West Nile fever were registered among residents of Kyiv region. Another 22 probable cases are in the process of laboratory confirmation.

Confirmed cases were reported in Fastiv and Boryspil districts (7 cases each), Brovary district (3 cases), Bucha district (2 cases), Vyshhorod and Bila Tserkva districts (1 case each). In 2023, 1 case was reported in a resident of Fastiv district.

The average age of the patients is 52 years (range from 24 years to 85 years). Most of the patients are men - 66.7%.

The initial symptoms of the disease are similar to those of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI): fever, headache, sore throat, and weakness. Further, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, body rash, and others. In severe cases, the disease manifests itself as meningitis or encephalitis.

If any of these symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical help! The mortality rate of West Nile fever is high. Out of 21 patients from Kyiv region, 7 (33.3%) died of the disease. The average age of the deceased is 73 years.

The epidemiological investigation established that the infection probably occurred in Kyiv region at the place of residence of the patients.

The reservoir of local infections is likely to be wild migratory birds living on or around water. Given the geographical location of Ukraine - in the centre of Europe, where migration routes from Asia and Africa to Europe intersect, as well as the migration of migratory birds, sources and reservoirs of many particularly dangerous viral infectious diseases - there is a constant risk of their introduction into Ukraine and the Kyiv region.

Avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection with West Nile virus:

• Use repellents (substances that repel insects), especially in the morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active;
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers and socks when visiting mosquito breeding areas (wetlands, stagnant water bodies) to reduce the area of exposed body parts;
• Use nets to protect against mosquitoes, especially when sleeping;
• reduce the time spent outdoors in the morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.