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Published on: June 9, 2011
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Emerging West Nile virus infections in Türkiye
Özlem Alhan1, Meliha Meriç Koç2, Ayşe Batırel3
1Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Koç University Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye. oalhan@kuh.ku.edu.tr.
Summary
West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Türkiye saw a significant outbreak in 2024. Older age and secondary bacterial infections were linked to higher fatality rates in patients with WNV.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus with potential for neuroinvasion.
- Türkiye experienced its largest WNV outbreak in 2024, necessitating a detailed clinical and epidemiological analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and laboratory features of human WNV infections during the 2024 outbreak in Türkiye.
- To identify predictors of mortality in WNV cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 51 patients with WNV infection across eleven tertiary hospitals.
- Classification of cases as confirmed or probable based on ECDC criteria.
- Multivariate logistic regression to determine odds ratios for mortality predictors.
Main Results:
- The study included 51 patients (mean age 63.3 years, 72.5% male).
- Neuroinvasive disease was prevalent (94.1%), including meningoencephalitis (47%) and encephalitis (39.2%). Movement disorders were observed in 39.2%.
- The case fatality rate was 17.6%, with older age and secondary bacterial infections identified as significant mortality predictors.
Conclusions:
- The 2024 outbreak highlights increasing WNV cases and diagnostic challenges in Türkiye.
- Early diagnosis and improved management are crucial for better patient outcomes.
- Enhanced awareness, accessible diagnostics, and rapid testing are recommended for healthcare professionals.
