A rare mosquito-borne infection has produced a tragic milestone, while health officials examine how widely the virus has spread across Dutch provinces.
In the Dutch province of Utrecht, a patient who contracted West Nile virus within the country has died. The person died in hospital, the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) confirmed.
The deceased was over 80 years old and also had underlying health conditions. This is the first fatal case of West Nile virus among people infected directly in the Netherlands.
How Many West Nile Virus Cases Have Been Confirmed in the Netherlands
Since the start of the year, the RIVM has confirmed three cases of West Nile virus infection within the country. Another patient remains in hospital. They have also been classified as elderly and vulnerable.
This year, traces of the virus have been detected not only in people. It has also been found in mosquitoes, birds, and horses in several provinces:
Utrecht;
North Brabant;
South Holland.
Separately, medical authorities reported the death of a woman who was believed to have contracted West Nile virus while vacationing in Southeastern Europe.
How West Nile Virus Is Transmitted
Birds are the main carriers of the virus. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds and can later transmit the virus to people and other animals.
West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person. The RIVM stresses that the risk of infection and the likelihood of severe illness in the Netherlands are currently considered low.
Symptoms and Risk Groups
About 80% of people experience no symptoms after becoming infected. Around 19% of those infected may develop flu-like symptoms.
In approximately 1% of cases, the infection can cause neurological complications. Older people and patients with underlying health conditions remain the most vulnerable to severe illness.