Armenia records first death from West Nile fever

Deputy director of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of the Armenian Health Ministry Sergey Chakhmachyan has said that 20 people have contracted West Nile fever in Armenia, and one of them has died.

The expert said that while the disease has been known for a long time, it had not previously been widespread in Armenia, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

West Nile fever is a viral illness transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Often, the infection is asymptomatic, but possible symptoms include flu-like signs and skin rashes. In rare cases, the disease can lead to inflammation of the meninges, brain, or other organs. The virus that causes West Nile fever is found in various regions across all continents. In Southern Europe, the risk of contracting this virus during the summer has long been established.