The West Nil virus reaches Berlin: The first two cases this year-how dangerous is it for humans?

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In Berlin wurden die ersten beiden Fälle des West-Nil-Virus in diesem Jahr gemeldet. Das Virus stammt aus Uganda und wird durch Stechmücken auf Tiere übertragen. Aber wie gefährlich ist es für den Menschen? Das West-Nil-Virus ist ein sogenanntes Arbovirus, das von bestimmten Mückenarten auf Menschen und Tiere übertragen wird. Es wurde erstmals in Uganda im Jahr 1937 entdeckt und hat seitdem eine weltweite Verbreitung erfahren. In Deutschland sind vor allem die Mückenarten Culex pipiens und Culex modestus für die Übertragung des Virus verantwortlich. Die Symptome einer Infektion mit dem West-Nil-Virus ähneln denen einer Grippe. Die meisten Menschen, die mit dem …
The first two cases of the West Nil virus were reported in Berlin this year. The virus comes from Uganda and is transferred to animals by mosquitoes. But how dangerous is it for humans? The West Nil virus is a so-called Arbovirus, which is transferred to humans and animals by certain types of mosquito. It was discovered for the first time in Uganda in 1937 and has experienced worldwide distribution since then. In Germany, the mosquito species Culex Pipiens and Culex Modestus are particularly responsible for the transfer of the virus. The symptoms of an infection with the West Nile virus are similar to those of flu. Most people who ... (Symbolbild/MB)
The first two cases of West Nil virus were reported in Berlin this year. The virus comes from Uganda and is transferred to animals by mosquitoes. But how dangerous is it for humans?

The West Nil virus is a so-called Arbovirus, which is transferred to humans and animals by certain types of mosquito. It was discovered for the first time in Uganda in 1937 and has experienced worldwide distribution since then. In Germany, the mosquitoes of Culex Pipiens and Culex Modestus are particularly responsible for the transfer of the virus.

The symptoms of an infection with the West Nile virus are similar to those of flu. Most people who are infected with the virus develop no or only slight symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness and rash. In rare cases, serious neurological complications can occur that require medical treatment. Older people and people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk.

The first two cases of West Nil virus have now been reported in Berlin this year. These are animals in which the virus was found. The infected animals can serve as a reservoir and thus contribute to the further spread of the virus.

In order to curb the spread of the West Nile virus, potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes should be avoided. This includes removing the standing water in vessels, such as flower pots or rain barrels. In addition, mosquito bites can be prevented by wearing long -sleeved clothing and using mosquito density networks on windows and doors.

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccination against the West Nile virus. However, the symptoms can be treated to improve the patient's well -being. If an infection is suspected, a doctor should be consulted, especially if serious neurological symptoms occur.

It is important to educate the West Nil virus and suitable protective measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Information on this can be obtained from the local health offices and the Robert Koch Institute.