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Outbreak of West Nile virus infection, Volgograd Region, Russia, 1999
A E Platonov1, G A Shipulin, O Y Shipulina
1Central Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya Str. 3A, Moscow 111123, Russia. plt@online.ru
Abstract:
From July 25 to October 1, 1999, 826 patients were admitted to Volgograd Region, Russia, hospitals with acute aseptic meningoencephalitis, meningitis, or fever consistent with arboviral infection. Of 84 cases of meningoencephalitis, 40 were fatal. Fourteen brain specimens were positive in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays, confirming the presence of West Nile/Kunjin virus.
Insights
In 1999, Russia reported numerous arboviral infections, including meningoencephalitis and meningitis. West Nile/Kunjin virus was confirmed in fatal cases, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Arboviral infections pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in regions experiencing outbreaks.
- Meningoencephalitis and meningitis are severe neurological conditions often associated with viral pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and identify the causative agent of acute neurological infections in Volgograd Region, Russia, during the summer of 1999.
- To confirm the presence of specific arboviruses in fatal cases of meningoencephalitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient admissions for meningoencephalitis, meningitis, and fever consistent with arboviral infection.
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays on brain specimens from fatal cases.
Main Results:
- 826 patients were admitted with symptoms suggestive of arboviral infection between July 25 and October 1, 1999.
- Of 84 meningoencephalitis cases, 40 resulted in fatalities.
- West Nile/Kunjin virus RNA was detected in 14 brain specimens from fatal cases.
Conclusions:
- The study confirmed West Nile/Kunjin virus as a cause of severe meningoencephalitis in the Volgograd Region during 1999.
- The findings underscore the importance of arboviral disease surveillance and control in the region.