CHP statement on West Nile Virus: 'We have heard there are fatal cases'

CHP Deputy Chair in charge of Health Policies Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz made statements regarding the West Nile Virus at a press conference held at the CHP Headquarters.

'THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CASES IN THE MARMARA REGION'

Stating that the CHP has established an Academic Board for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Infectious Diseases under the Ministry of Health, Şahbaz made the following statements regarding the infectious diseases seen in our country:

"We can list the infectious diseases currently occurring in our country that threaten public health, in order of importance, as Covid-19, West Nile virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and Mpox. A West Nile virus outbreak has been ongoing for some time in Balkan countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Along with this, a significant number of cases have been detected in the Marmara Region, especially in Istanbul, where there are many wetlands."

'WE ARE HEARING THAT THERE ARE FATAL CASES'

Claiming that there are fatal cases of the West Nile Virus in our country, Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz stated, "The Ministry has announced 6 cases regarding the West Nile virus. But we know that there are dozens of serious cases hospitalized. We have also received reports from relevant experts that there are fatal cases. Considering that the hospitalization rate for West Nile virus is around 20 percent and the mortality rate is between 1-3 percent, it is estimated that there could be nearly a thousand cases. A decrease in the number of cases can be expected as the weather cools. While there is no situation to cause panic, necessary precautions must be taken, and surveillance and monitoring must be carried out."

News Source: 12punto