Sofia, Bulgaria – A fourth case of West Nile fever has been confirmed in Bulgaria, according to Professor Iva Hristova, Director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCCPD).
The latest diagnosis involves a patient from Sofia, adding to the growing number of cases as authorities work to manage the spread of the virus.
This recent case follows the deaths of two patients who succumbed to complications related to the illness. Additionally, a man from Haskovo remains under medical care as the country faces an escalating public health concern.
However, Prof. Hristova emphasized that there is no direct link between the cases, suggesting that they may be isolated incidents rather than part of a broader outbreak.
Despite the growing number of confirmed cases, Prof. Hristova urged the public to remain calm, although she acknowledged the potential for more positive test results in the near future as testing continues.
“We anticipate additional cases being confirmed, but there is no immediate cause for alarm,” she said. “It is important that everyone adheres to preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.”
Among the recommended preventive measures are avoiding outdoor activities at night when mosquito activity is at its highest and steering clear of wooded areas, which are known to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To support these efforts, the Ministry of Health has issued a directive for widespread mosquito spraying in affected regions.
Prof. Hristova also provided a broader perspective on the risk of infection. She explained that, statistically, the likelihood of encountering an infected mosquito is low, with one infected mosquito existing for every hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes.
However, she stressed that it is still important for the public to take precautions, particularly as the majority of those infected with West Nile virus may not even realize they have contracted the disease.
“Approximately 80% of people who contract West Nile virus exhibit no symptoms at all,” Prof. Hristova stated. “Of those who do, 19% experience mild symptoms that resemble a typical viral infection, including high fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and occasionally a mild rash.”
In regions such as Sofia and along the Danube River, including cities like Vidin, Ruse, and Silistra, research indicates that between 7-10% of the population may have already been exposed to West Nile virus, often without any noticeable symptoms.
On a national scale, it is estimated that around 1.5% of Bulgarians have been exposed to the virus over the past two to three years.
While the majority of individuals infected with West Nile fever recover without severe complications, Prof. Hristova highlighted that certain groups remain at higher risk for serious outcomes.
“People over the age of 70 and those with significant chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe forms of West Nile fever,” she cautioned.
The recent surge in cases has prompted increased vigilance among public health authorities in Bulgaria.
As mosquito season continues, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging the public to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of the virus.
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