West Nile Virus Risk in Bulgaria: Elderly and Immunocompromised Most Vulnerable

Professor Todor Kantardzhiev, former director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, announced that West Nile virus is now present in Bulgaria. He identified people over 60 years of age and individuals with weakened immune systems as the groups most likely to develop severe illness.

Kantardzhiev advised the public to use mosquito repellents, treat clothing, and protect children’s strollers, especially during peak mosquito activity. He recommended limiting outdoor exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and suggested simple preventive measures such as splashing the face with cold water, gargling with cold water, and, in hot weather, allowing children to eat ice cream. He also noted that while summer typically sees a drop in respiratory infections, some cases of epidemic spread are occurring.