The hot season is approaching and the risk of contracting viruses transmitted by mosquito bites increases, such as in the case of West Nile Fever (West Nile Disease) and the Usutu virus.
Both are zoonoses of viral etiology.
«The viruses responsible for the diseases – explains the Nuoro Local Health Authority – are maintained in nature by similar transmission cycles involving adult ornithophilic mosquitoes and various bird species. Mammals, including humans, are considered dead-end hosts and can be accidentally infected by carrier mosquitoes. Infections in humans are usually asymptomatic or manifest with flu-like symptoms. However, in a small percentage of cases, approximately 1 in a thousand, the onset of neurological syndromes is possible which in the most serious cases can be lethal, particularly in elderly people or those with immune deficiencies."
Reservoirs of the viruses are birds, in particular species belonging to the orders Passeriformes, Charadriformes and Strigiformes.
The Animal Health Complex Structure of the ASL n. 3 of Nuoro, directed by Dr. Giovanni Maria Zidda, takes this opportunity to invite citizens to report any bird found dead or dying by calling 0784 240237.
(Unioneonline/ss)
