Zurich, Aug. 8 (SANA)More than 240 cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported in several European countries since the start of the transmission season in June, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).A report published Saturday by Swiss news website Blue News, citing ECDC data, said Italy recorded the highest number of cases with 139, followed by Greece with 61. Other cases were reported in Spain (17), North Macedonia (13), Romania (6), France (4) and Germany (1).

Data from Germany’s Robert Koch Institute showed that around 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus develop flu-like symptoms, while severe illness occurs in about one in every 100 cases.According to the data, 59 European regions have been affected by the virus this year, more than half of them in Italy, particularly in the northern parts of the country.The World Health Organization called for increased vigilance late last month following a rise in cases in southern Europe. It said the virus is transmitted primarily between mosquitoes and birds, with infected mosquitoes able to transmit the virus to humans during the summer months, particularly between July and September.

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that can cause severe inflammation of the brain and, in some cases, death. Treatment is primarily supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms.Health experts recommend wearing long clothing in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, using insect repellents and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites around homes.Meanwhile, an Italian research team recently identified promising antibodies that could pave the way for developing new treatments and potentially vaccines in the future, according to the University of Italian Switzerland.F.J./M.F