Some 40 cases of West Nile virus infection were registered in Romania from May 1 until August 31 this year, the figure being higher than the total number of infections recorded in 2015, Romania-Insider informs.

Four of the people infected with the West Nile virus in this period died, according to a briefing of the National Center for Transmissible Diseases Surveillance and Control published on the website of the National Public Health Institute, reports local Agerpres. One of the fatal cases was registered in early August.

People aged 70-79 were the ones more affected by this virus (14 cases of infection registered between May 1 and August 31), followed by those aged between 50 and 59, 60 and 69, and over 80.

Cases of West Nile virus infection were registered in Bucharest, but also in Mures, Iasi, Neamt, Galati, Dolj, Prahova, Dambovita, Giurgiu, Ilfov, Ialomita, Braila, and Tulcea counties.

The virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Doctors recommend people to reduce the risk of getting infected by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.