Two individuals have been confirmed with West Nile virus infection in the Sisak and Petrinja regions of central Croatia, with local authorities suspecting that there may be dozens more cases yet to be identified, according to reports from local media.
Dr. Tonka Jozic Novinc, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Sisak General Hospital, described the symptoms experienced by the patients as severe, including intense headaches, high fever, and pain in the muscles and joints. She noted that both patients faced challenges with mobility and experienced disordered consciousness for the first few days of their illness.
“The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and is not spread from person to person. The likelihood of infection increases with the number of mosquito bites,” Dr. Novinc explained, emphasizing the potential for additional cases to arise.
Fortunately, both patients have since made a full recovery. Dr. Novinc recommended preventive measures, including the use of mosquito repellents and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of managing the local environment by mowing grass and reducing dust, which can help to minimize mosquito populations.
