First Case of West Nile Virus Recorded in Armenia: One Death, Several Hospitalized

For the first time, Armenia has recorded a case of the West Nile virus being transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. The virus has claimed the life of one person and led to the hospitalization of around 20 others. This has raised concerns about the spread of the virus in the country, particularly in regions where conditions may favor mosquito breeding.

The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that the patients’ conditions range from moderate to severe. Those affected by the virus include individuals aged 25 to 65, all of whom have pre-existing chronic or serious health conditions. The person who died was over 60 years old and fell within the high-risk group.

In severe cases, the West Nile virus can lead to serious complications, including inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) or the brain (encephalitis), or both together, known as meningoencephalitis. These complications are particularly dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, severe conditions, or those of advanced age.

Stepan Atoyan, the director of the NCDC, explained that healthy individuals typically experience mild symptoms of the West Nile virus, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, skin rash, and eye discomfort. However, in more severe cases, symptoms can escalate to severe headaches, high fever, neck pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsions, muscle weakness, or even paralysis.

Currently, there is no specific cure for the West Nile virus. Treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms, as there is no vaccine available to prevent infection. The exact percentage of the population that falls into the high-risk group in Armenia is still under investigation.

The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. It is important to note that the virus cannot be spread from person to person. Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus after feeding on infected birds, which are often the primary reservoirs of the virus.

One of the contributing factors to the spread of the West Nile virus is global warming, which has led to changes in migration patterns of birds and the proliferation of mosquito populations. Water areas, where mosquitoes commonly breed, are the main hotspots for the spread of the virus.

Armenian health authorities are taking measures to prevent the further spread of the virus. These efforts include regular activities that are conducted annually to control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of transmission. The focus is particularly on the hot regions of Ararat, Armavir, and Aragatsotn, where the virus has been recorded.

Experts from the NCDC are continuing their studies to determine what percentage of the population in these regions is at risk. Understanding the distribution of the virus and the vulnerability of different groups is crucial in developing effective prevention strategies.

The spread of the West Nile virus is not unique to Armenia. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 69 cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded in eight European countries from the beginning of this year until July 31, with eight deaths reported. In the United States, 174 cases were reported by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from the start of the year to August.

In a related health update, the Armenian Ministry of Health has confirmed that no cases of monkeypox have been registered in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned about a new outbreak of monkeypox in the Congo and some African countries, where the disease is also sexually transmitted. The Ministry of Health has assessed the risk of monkeypox spreading in Armenia as low, with no cases reported so far.