The day: RKI reports several infections with the West Nile virus

In Germany, other people were infected with the West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes. As the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported, evidence was provided in Leipzig for seven people affected after they had shown symptoms of an illness. In one person each from Berlin and Meißen, the infection was discovered when testing blood or plasma donations. According to the information, there are further suspected cases in both Leipzig and Berlin. On September 3, the RKI reported the first four cases of the year.

• It was also said that a 76-year-old man developed encephalitis among those affected, and two other patients – a 32-year-old woman and an 85-year-old man – developed meningitis. Both are inflammatory diseases of the brain. The investigations into the beginning of the illness and the exact place of infection of the patients are still ongoing.
• The West Nile virus is a pathogen originating in Africa. In addition to birds, infected mosquitoes can also infect mammals – especially horses – and humans, as has been the case for several years, especially in southern Europe.
• So far there is no vaccine for humans. Infection often goes without symptoms. When illnesses occur, they are often associated with flu-like symptoms such as headache, chills, or vomiting.