West Nile virus death toll rises to four
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Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on GoogleThe Dutch public health institute RIVM has announced a fourth death from West Nile virus in the country, after a patient contracted the disease from a blood transfusion.
The authorities do not yet know whether the person, who was already ill, died directly from the virus.
The total number of West Nile cases is now at 28, with ten new patients reported to RIVM in the last week.
Most were infected by mosquitoes. West Nile virus is harmless to the majority of people. Around 20% of those infected develop mild flu-like symptoms.
The elderly and people with health vulnerabilities have the highest risk of death.
The RIVM also reported that since September 10, there have been 30 reports of horses infected with West Nile virus, bringing the total so far this year to 88.
Around 100 cases have also been found in birds.
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