West Nile fever cases in Russia have increased by 13 percent. The main carriers of the virus are mosquitoes and ticks, so the main way to protect yourself from the disease is to prevent insect bites, It has been said 360.ru researcher, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Professor at the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology Pyotr Chumakov.
According to the scientist, even the bite of a mosquito carrier is not a guarantee that a person will get sick, because this occurs in only 1% of cases. The causative agent of fever is the West Nile virus from the Flaviviridae family. Chumakov explained that the pathogen lives and multiplies in the bodies of birds, and then infects mosquitoes and ticks. He explained that the virus spreads successfully in warm and hot climates with heavy rainfall, river floods and migratory birds.
“The disease is focal and spreads where infected mosquitoes live. The border of the natural focus gradually moves from south to north. Now the epidemic is approaching the territory of the Moscow region,” the scientist warned.
You can protect yourself by using mosquito repellents. It is especially important to use them before going outside. Chumakov also recommended wearing closed clothes, installing mosquito nets on windows and doors, using fumigators and avoiding going outdoors near water bodies in hot weather.
He called for not leaving containers of water in summer houses so as not to contribute to the breeding of mosquitoes. The scientist concluded that West Nile fever is dangerous only for people over 65 years old with a weak immune system.
Let us remind you that, according to Rospotrebnadzor, there have been cases of West Nile fever infection. registered In 22 regions of Russia. The current incidence is 0.08 per 100 thousand population, which is 13% above the long-term average. At risk are people with chronic diseases as well as the elderly.
Doctors have previously warned Russians say West Nile fever is more dangerous than Covid.
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Source: Gazeta
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