Working or living in Belgrade? Ensure you know how to prevent being bitten by mosquitos

RPS Partnership can report that there has been an outbreak of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Serbia which has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, while at least 177 cases of the disease have been confirmed since July.

Most of the 11 fatalities have occurred in the capital, Belgrade, with the remaining fatalities reportedly occurring in Temerin, Vrsac, Vlasotince, Pancevo, Smederevo, Velika Plana and Zrenjanin.

Localised outbreaks of West Nile fever, which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, have been reported in Serbia and elsewhere in the Balkans region in recent years, typically during late summer and early autumn (July to September). Most infections are mild, but severe infections can result in fever, headaches, chills, confusion, lethargy and flu-like symptoms.

The severity of the virus depends on whether it results in serious neurological illness, such as meningitis or encephalitis; the elderly and individuals with an already weakened immune system are at the highest risk. Anyone in Serbia ise advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts.

Please be aware of the symptoms of the virus and anyone displaying any of the symptoms mentioned above should contact a Doctor immediately.

Contact [email protected] if you require any assistance with your travel plans.

Photo: telegraph.co.uk

Source: Red24