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Eight people have died of West Nile virus so far this year in Europe, the region’s disease agency said Monday, with case numbers highest in the South.
The virus, which is spread by mosquito bites, can cause West Nile fever with symptoms including headaches, malaise, fever, vomiting and fatigue.
Around 80 percent of people infected with the virus have no symptoms, while fewer than 1 percent of infections can cause severe disease that affects the nervous system.
Five people have died of the virus in Greece, two in Italy and one in Spain, according to the figures released Monday from the European Center of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which says the numbers are correct as of July 31.
Local media reports in Spain, however, say that two people have died of the virus, with the southern city of Seville announcing new preventative measures amid pressure from locals.
The ECDC says the total number of cases reported so far this year is within the expected range, even though the number of cases in Greece and Spain are higher than in previous years.
Greece has reported 31 cases, Italy 25 and Spain five. Austria, Hungary and Serbia have reported two cases each, while France and Romania have both confirmed a sole case.
All regions affected this year were either previously affected or had neighbouring regions that have reported cases.
There are no vaccines or medicines that prevent West Nile virus. Measures to prevent infection include using mosquito repellent, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, and sleeping in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
