Bulgaria braces for West Nile virus peak, says health expert Iva Hristova

The director of Bulgaria's National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Prof. Iva Hristova, warned that the peak of West Nile virus infections is expected between August and mid‑September. She noted that the virus may already be circulating in the country, although no confirmed cases have been reported yet, and the reference laboratory is prepared for diagnostics. West Nile virus is transmitted by common mosquitoes; about 80 % of infections are asymptomatic, while the remainder can cause fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and, in rare cases, neurological complications. Hristova urged preventive measures such as using window screens, repellents and checking for ticks to avoid Lyme disease, which also shows stable case numbers. She added that gastrointestinal infections are rising this summer, emphasizing hand‑washing as a key protection strategy.