'West Nile Virus' panic in Bodrum: One person tests positive

West Nile Virus has been detected in a person staying at the Bodrum Park Resort Hotel in Muğla. Following the positive test results, contact tracing efforts have been accelerated at hotels and other accommodation facilities in the region.

Health Director Dr. Ali Burak Mülayim stated that the possibility of WNV should be considered, especially in patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal complaints.

According to a report by Sözcü, Muğla Provincial Health Director Dr. Ali Burak Mülayim included the following statements in a letter sent to official institutions:

"As a result of contact tracing efforts regarding the West Nile Virus (WNV) case identified by the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, addresses potentially linked to the case have been determined. It has been reported that an individual who stayed with their family at the Bodrum Park Resort Hotel on the Mumcular Road in Bodrum between August 2-5, 2024, and participated in a blue cruise event between August 6-8, 2024, began showing symptoms on August 19, 2024.

'PCR RESULTS POSITIVE'

Samples taken from this individual were sent to the Ankara Reference Laboratory, and PCR results were determined to be 'positive' in the blood sample on August 27, 2024, and in the urine sample on August 28, 2024.

The incubation period for WNV varies between 3-14 days. Therefore, contact tracing efforts must be accelerated at the hotel and other accommodation facilities in the region where the case had contact, and necessary environmental precautions must be taken.

In order to protect public health, healthcare institutions and staff in the region should suspect WNV in patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea-vomiting, and diarrhea during this process.

It is of great importance that all necessary procedures are carried out in accordance with our Ministry's WNV Guide and that our directorate is contacted as soon as possible."

News Source: 12punto