Recent tests on birds and a horse have shown that the West Nile virus is circulating in the Willebroek-Mechelen region of Antwerp province. The City of Mechelen’s website says there is currently no cause for concern, but it is advisable to take extra care to avoid mosquito bites. In the meantime, doctors and hospitals in the region have been alerted. Earlier this month, the virus was also detected in another horse in Wallonia.
West Nile virus: Doctors and hospitals in Mechelen region alerted now animals have been infected
Colin Clapson
Published:
Doctors and hospitals in the Mechelen-Willebroek region have been alerted, says Joris Moonens of the Flemish Care Department. “This is so that doctors know that when they admit a patient whose symptoms they cannot immediately attribute to another illness, they should also consider the possibility of infection with the West Nile virus.”
Usually no symptoms
“When people are infected with the West Nile virus, they usually don’t notice anything. And when they do, they often only experience mild symptoms, such as flu-like symptoms including muscle aches and headaches.”
“Only in exceptional cases can it lead to serious illnesses, such as meningitis,” says Moonens.
Moreover, the risk of infection is very low. “The only thing you can do is avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. It’s best to use mosquito repellents or wear long-sleeved clothing in areas where mosquitoes are present,” says Moonens.
The risk of becoming ill as a result is also relatively low. “It is, however, higher among older people or those in poor health.”
No cause for major concern
“So there is no cause for major concern,” Moonens emphasises. “But it is something we are keeping an eye on. We know the virus is circulating among animals and we will continue to monitor this and keep our healthcare professionals informed.”
West Nile virus is found in birds and is spread by mosquitoes. An infected mosquito can also infect humans and horses. Most people do not fall ill. Sometimes there are mild symptoms, such as fever, headache or muscle pain.
The risk of humans falling ill remains low. Nevertheless, it is advisable to protect yourself against mosquito bites, particularly in the affected region.
There are a number of measures that can help prevent mosquito bites:
Wear long clothing when there are lots of mosquitoes.
Use mosquito repellent.
Fit mosquito screens or nets to windows and doors.
Use a mosquito net or mosquito screen if necessary.