Two people have died in Flanders after contracting the West Nile virus, the Flemish Health Department has revealed. The individuals were members of a group at risk of severe illness. A total of 14 cases has now been confirmed across Flanders.
“Unfortunately, two people have died after contracting West Nile virus,” says Anneleen De Sadeleer of the Department of Care.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones. These were people in the high-risk group for severe illness. There have now been 14 confirmed cases in Flanders, two of which were fatal.”
According to the health department, this news did not come entirely as a surprise. “We knew that the virus had been circulating locally in Flanders over the past few months and that 1 per cent of those infected could become seriously ill.”
The risk of serious illness remains low in most cases, De Sadeleer emphasises. “The vast majority of infections are mild and even asymptomatic, meaning they are not reported or confirmed.”
“However, older people and those with weakened immune systems remain particularly vulnerable. So, it’s best to continue protecting yourself well against mosquito bites. Fortunately, the mosquito season comes to an end in late October.”