Turkey - West Nile Virus confirmed - 7 patients - 3 deaths

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=63002


Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says
A virus that has killed six people in the past two weeks may be the same strain of the West Nile virus that was also observed in the north of Greece, doctors say.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010 15:42

World Bulletin / News Desk

A virus that has killed six people in the past two weeks may be the same strain of the West Nile virus that was also observed in the north of Greece, doctors say, as most of the symptoms resemble those presented in patients with the West Nile virus.

The Turkish Health Ministry announced that six out of the 16 patients who have come to the Manisa State Hospital since Aug. 12 complaining of fever, thrombocytopenia (lack of blood clotting cells), altered states of consciousness and skin eruptions have died...

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=six-patients-died-doctor-says-no-epidemic-2010-08-25

No epidemic at western Turkish hospital despite six deaths, doctor saysFont Size: Larger|Smaller

Wednesday, August 25, 2010
ISTANBUL - Daily News with Wires



Dr. Tosun says that the situation can not be defined as an epidemic. DHA photo

There are no indications of an epidemic at a hospital in the Aegean province of Manisa, health officials said Wednesday, despite the recent deaths of six patients with high fevers at the institution.

It would be inaccurate to call the situation an epidemic, as only between 10 and 15 people have been affected, said Dr. Selma Tosun, head of the Infection Committee at Manisa Public Hospital.

Out of 16 people admitted to Manisa Public Hospital since Aug. 12 with complaints of high fever, six have died. Doctors sent blood examples from the patients to the Health Ministry?s Refik Saydam Health Center in order to test whether there may be any signs of epidemic, Doğan news agency reported Wednesday.

?Four patients are in the intensive care unit at the moment, but they have various complaints ? one with appendicitis, another with a heart attack,? said Tosun, adding that they had not come across any infections in the patients so far.

She said that out of the six patients who died in the past weeks, one died of a snake bite, another suffered a heart attack and a third was a soldier who died after being exposed to sunlight for too long.

?All these patients? blood examples were sent to Ankara to learn whether there was any infection. Patients who mostly stayed outside during the hot weather have come to us,? she said.

The Health Ministry said in a written statement released Tuesday that they had set up a committee to hear the matter.

The statement said the council would try to determine whether the cases in Manisa had any similarity to the West Nile virus, which is seen in northern Greece and is spread by the bites of certain insects.

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be several illnesses, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be several illnesses, Turkey says-6 dead

http://translate.googleusercontent....le.com&usg=ALkJrhjzkoN2KkAMmDvDCJQcBMeXp2aaDw

Dr. Manisa Medical Center General Secretary Dr. Şahut Duran, closely related to death are in question, stating "As of noon on August 24, 2010 as the clinical evaluation of these deaths is not yet an 'epidemic' as not," he said.

Issues relating to the Directorate of Health, hospitals and universities of the infectious diseases and public health experts are working systematically to indicate Dr. Duran. Standing, "From this point of the problem at this stage does not stand a problem for management. The tests followed by eliza electron microscopic evaluation, the issue ultimately will contribute to define the" language was spoken. After four days of the last patient's death is not found a case recorded by Dr. Şahut Duran, said:

"However, the cases of samples further analysis to conclude, in this regard a clear conclusion possible to give. However, our neighbor, Greece, in some West Nile fever cases have been found, on the subject of studies in our country diligently to be maintained that reveals. It should be remembered that in recent years in our country, Crimean Congo Fever Tularemia is a host of animals such as search and new infectious diseases have emerged. In these circumstances, our sensitivity has increased. subject to the public on any kind of development will continue. "

Governor: CASE NO concern

"Anxiety will be, concerned to give it status as of now not in question. Last Friday, days since any new cases, new applications yet. Available in 8 patients in our life-threatening condition does not exist. 5 cases of death related to the findings Refik Saydam Hygiene Institute nde being reviewed. Experts say that our friends as they are in the different findings. We do not concern any situation, "he said.

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

This does not sound too much like West Nile. It actually sounds a bit more like Rift Valley Fever, but that illness doesn't seem to have been reported in that area before.

And the translation is crude, but it looks like West Nile tests have come back negative. This should likely be sent to ProMED.

http://translate.googleusercontent....le.com&usg=ALkJrhhiCaTnv02k4cM15rDHxoqtIwMokQ

Death could not be diagnosed in Manisa


Meltem ÖZGENÇ / ANKARA Breeze ÖZGENÇ / ANKARA 26 Ağustos 2010 August 26, 2010



Ministry of Health, fever, platelet depletion, altered consciousness and Manisa State Hospital, who admitted with a complaint of rash 6 of 16 patients died due to disease, which causes the Scientific Committee was established. Yet undiagnosed illness related, was asked to be away from insects and flies.

Manisa 6 Can the suspected fever cases have been created for the Scientific Committee's members, Levent Akin, course of illness of the West Nile fever virus is similar, but disease blood taken with the initial investigations of this disease in the common is not said. Refik Saydam Hygiene Center has started to research more advanced laboratory tests recorded in the Ali, said:

Information is collected from the region

"Scientific Committee on disease status assessment was done in. Of the disease in and around Manisa (Turgutlu, Salihli) started to gather information about the epidemiological characteristics. Possible and try to identify suspected cases. Still could not put a definite diagnosis. We are continuing to take several blood samples.

Can be fatal

Lethal disease can watch. Especially headache, mental confusion and starts firing. Heatstroke is believed that in the first place. Gestures, such as patients with seizures are made. But at this time of serious damage occurs in the liver and kidneys. The cells that make platelets in the blood clotting has serious decline. Patients being lost in this way. In case there are survivors.

No disease vaccine

The incubation period varies from 2-10 days, no vaccine. Treatment with antiviral drugs can be tried. If this disease, West Nile fever in New York in 1995 caused a big problem. . We are currently the only suspect.
An issue, but our minds are confused. . In this occurrence of disease in animals, especially horses can be seen in the deaths. Provincial Directorate of Agriculture in the area but found no such problem has not been reported.” People should do at the moment, to stay away flies and insects. "

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/apex/..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,84433

Archive Number 20100826.3014
Published Date 26-AUG-2010
Subject PRO/AH/EDR> Encephalitis - Turkey (MN) WNV susp., RFI

ENCEPHALITIS - TURKEY: (MANISA) WEST NILE VIRUS SUSPECTED, REQUEST
FOR INFORMATION
*********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Wed 25 Aug 2010
Source: World Bulletin [edited]
<http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=63002>


A virus that has killed 6 people in the past 2 weeks may be the same
strain of the West Nile virus that was also observed in the north of
Greece, doctors say, as most of the symptoms resemble those presented
in patients with the West Nile virus.

The Turkish Health Ministry announced that 6 out of the 16 patients
who have come to the Manisa State Hospital since 12 Aug [2010] [with]
fever, thrombocytopenia (lack of blood clotting cells), altered
states of consciousness, and skin eruptions have died. The statement
also announced that a scientific committee was rapidly set up
following reports from the Manisa State Hospital's infectious
diseases experts. The committee is composed of experts from the
Health Ministry's Fundamental Health Services General Directorate,
the Refik Saydam National Public Agency (RSHM), which deals with
bacteria and viral disease prevention, and academics from relevant
medical backgrounds.

The statement said the medical cases were currently being evaluated
by doctors, adding that a field inspection was also under way. The
committee is also investigating possible cases that might have gone
unreported and has laid out a strategy for managing a potential
outbreak. The committee has been working for a full diagnosis and to
determine treatment options. The statement said, "Whether the cases
in Manisa bears any resemblance to the mosquito-born West Nile virus
cases observed in the north of Greece is being investigated
separately in cooperation with international health agencies."

RSHM President Mustafa Ertek said they started working on identifying
the virus 10 days ago, following a notification from the Manisa State
Hospital. Ertek said, "Currently, there is a West Nile epidemic in
the north of Greece. Minor West Nile epidemics have also been
observed in countries such as Morocco and Algeria. It is not a
contagious disease, but it can be transmitted to another patient
through blood transfusion. The symptoms in the Manisa cases resemble
the West Nile strain that was recently detected in northern Greece."
However, he added that they would have to wait for laboratory results
to make a definite identification.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[West Nile (WN) virus has been circulating in some areas of the
Mediterranean Basin this year (2010). It is possible that West Nile
(WN) virus has turned up in Manisa, Turkey, perhaps brought in by
wild birds as they begin their post-fledging, migratory movements.
Manisa is across the Aegean Sea from Greek Macedonia, where a WN
outbreak is occurring, and somewhat inland. However, until the
laboratory results are in, the WN virus etiology of this outbreak and
possible relationships to the WN virus occurring in Greek Macedonia
is speculative. If WN virus is confirmed, this will be the 1st report
of the virus in Turkey that ProMED-mail has posted. ProMED awaits
those results with interest.

An interactive map showing the location of Manisa can be accessed at
<http://www.maplandia.com/turkey/manisa/manisa/>.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Turkey can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/03J4>. - Mod.TY]

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

One of the six deaths is excluded as due to snakebite, not infectious disease. No indication which of the symptoms in the initial description might have been only found in the snakebite patient (or even the species of snake which might allow us to make that determination), which might help determine whether this outbreak is due to WNV, some other virus, or some other cause.

http://translate.googleusercontent....le.com&usg=ALkJrhj6GZ11ILU-nkJLQp8qWYgPOmwJiQ

August 26, 2010 18:34

Ministry of Health made a statement about the suspicious death in Manisa.
Health Ministry Director General of Primary Health Care Seracettin com, the cause of suspicious deaths in Manisa on Sunday said they expect to net healing. Com, also in Istanbul enderovirüsün common cause of outbreaks of red-eye that is determined, so far nearly 36 thousand people are affected by these diseases were recorded.

Health Ministry Director General of Primary Health Care Seracettin com, Manisa descriptions found in the related cases of death. Showing the same symptoms as patients in intensive care and 4 of 8 patients under treatment is reminiscent of the com, "or life-threatening condition in intensive care for those who do not have." Ministry to investigate the issue has been created by the two delegations expressed the com, the continuation of investigations on the samples, he said.

Of cases, Manisa and is limited and last for a week in other cities also, including any notice or not expressing the COM, this table is an epidemic at the point people would threaten a situation that is not shown, he said. Com, providing common findings to emerge is that many diseases were also noted. Dying patients in one of the snakebite detected was expressed com, "the snake bites the same evidence is created. For this reason, before six suspicious deaths explain the number, now 5, has reduced we are. Because a case of snake bites and died confirmed." was in the form.

Com, West Nile fever cases in Manisa common issue of whether the net until Sunday, he added they were waiting for healing.

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

In addition to the discarded snakebite fatality, this article suggests that one of the fatalities may be due to heatstroke.

The symptomatic description here is closer to West Nile than some of the previous ones, perhaps as a result of discarding the symptoms in the excluded case(s).

http://www.yeniasir.com.tr/HayatinIcinden/2010/08/27/sivrisinek_alarmi

Mosquito alarm
Entry date: 26/08/2010, Thursday 18:36 Updated: 18:36
Specialist Professor of Parasitology. Dr. Özbel Joseph, living in Manisa from midges and mosquitoes transmit disease to be protected, 'mosquito' and 'fans' were recommended to use

ERKAN DOGAN / ALI FİLİZKAN / DAWN THIN

In Manisa, heatstroke, diarrhea, vomiting hospital resorted to those of 6 12 days lost their lives in the specification of the Greek seen in the "West Nile fever" disease similar to the show on the initiated research intensified.
Infection Science Committee under the Ministry of Health created the "West Nile Fever" emergency meeting to discuss his agenda.
The meeting in Ankara, Manisa State Hospital patients treated in the Infection Control Committee Chairman Assoc. Dr. Selma Tosun, also attended. Refik Saydam Hygiene Center President Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Ertek, "from Manisa Assoc. Dr. Selma Tosun, then called. He brought with the data here academics friend of us all the data put together a meeting we do. Topic we will discuss. The results accuracy required in the explanation will do," he said.
Ministry of Health, provincial health directorates to the alarm of July by sending a letter, "Fever, rash, confusion samples taken from patients observed, let us know," he said.

SPECIAL Cages
Ege University Medical Faculty Hospital, Department of Parasitology, West Nile fever for the investigation of diseases in different regions of Manisa cages placed fifth. As in the human body puts out carbon dioxide to the environment and reverse the vacuum features a cage, people with areas of densely inhabited areas near the homes of patients stating that they put into the Professor. Dr. Gur will rise, "Cages of mosquitoes and gnats in the region will catch. Then classified living things, West Nile fever or the other will investigate whether or not infected with a disease," he said. Specialist Professor of Parasitology. Dr. Özbel Joseph, living in Manisa from midges and mosquitoes transmit disease to be protected, "your home, 'mosquito' and 'fans' use," he proposed.

4 PEOPLE DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL
Manisa State Hospital, four patients were discharged inpatient wards, Nejdet Çakatağ, Ali Tekin, Hasan Zeynep Akboğa Arga and the time of treatment was reported in intensive care.
Head of Manisa State Hospital Assoc. Dr. Sami Karakoç, "Organs of machine-aided therapy in patients requiring intensive care unit is being held," he said. Karakoç, Assoc. Dr. Selma Tosun was recalled to Ankara, the first issue of the emergence of negative psychological consequences has successfully told them relax.
Manisa State Hospital ICU, the wife of Hasan Arga'nın (67) 21 days before midnight a heart spasm due to the hospital was removed says Nazli Arga, "his heart shook. Hospital to have removed. Your heart a few times standing was told," he said.
Thompson, Ali Thompson's wife, railroad workers Virtue with his son Jack and daughter-Turkan moved to hospital 19 days, saying that they "have brought to the hospital with loss of consciousness," he said.

Governor Guvenc: Hospitals have warned
Manisa Governor Celalettin Guvenc patients coming to hospital with similar symptoms due to stimulation of all hospitals in Manisa said. Governor Guvenc, "Provincial Health Directorate of the units and the meetings do all the hospitals were informed. Patient number 16 was. When heat is reduced Fridays since similar cases did not come. Received preliminary results also relieved we have. Barracks we have lost in soldiers in our hearts kapaçıklarından caused arrhythmias in brain edema because had lost their lives, one patient died of snake bites were the result of poisoning. The other patients about the reports, but after one month were recorded in the future, "he said.

Medical Chamber was further increased Duyarllığımız
Manisa Medical Center Board of Directors by a written statement, "Our neighbor Greece, some West Nile cases have been found, on the subject of studies in our country diligently to be maintained that are revealed. Turkey Crimean Congo Fever and Tularemia animals, such as among the host of the new infectious diseases have emerged should not be forgotten. Our awareness has increased in these conditions, "said.

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/n...ister-eases-concerns-about-manisa-deaths.html

Health minister eases concerns about Manisa deaths
Health Minister Recep Akdağ has said there is no evidence that recent deaths in the western province of Manisa were caused by the West Nile virus, easing concerns that Turkey would be faced with the threat of another epidemic.


“There is no evidence that the deaths were caused by a mosquito-born West Nile virus. We are happy that there have been no new reports of patients with similar symptoms. We are carrying out the necessary research,” the minister told reporters in Erzurum, where he joined a Justice and Development Party (AK Party) rally.


snip

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

http://haber.mynet.com/detay/guncel/enfeksiyon-bulgusuna-rastlanmadi/529538

There was no evidence of infection"
In a written statement from the Ministry of Health, Manisa State Hospital, as seen with the disease to any signs of infection rastlanılmaığı said.
Updated: August 27, 2010 23:05
ANKARA (ANKA) - Ministry of Health a written statement, Manisa State Hospital, 15 days since the common fever, headache, mental change and body rash present with the disease in connection with August 12 since the ministry experts and established science by the board of intensive research was initiated this study and ongoing research was reported.

The statement, science committee, 26 August at a recent meeting, Manisa from the experts with the cases in detail the re-evaluation stated, while the results regarding the "health-related analysis according to the results, the first signs of any infection so far detected, said.

Of patients, usually elderly, and that underlying chronic diseases are a part of a long time under the sun is running or walking that is determined to express the Ministry of Health, "So who died, six patients cause of death, similar to findings, the disease clusters in the form of interpreted," he said.

 

[zkurmus]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Huh, that's weird - there was close to nothing on the major newspapers about this. When we were flying back from Bodrum on the 1st of September, the woman sitting next to me said they were going back because her son-in-law was hospitalized in Istanbul after severe headaches and loss of consciousness a day after returning to Istanbul (from Bodrum). She also said that all they said at the hospital was that it was "some form of encephalitis" and nothing more, though he seemed to be gettign better.

Anyways, heard of the outbreak in Greece, thought of my flutracker friends and found this!

In short, either it's not very serious here in Turkey, or they're keeping it under wraps till the touristic season ends. Love to all, z

 

[alert]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus likely isn't West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus likely isn't West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

I have been looking for articles on this story for the past few weeks, and it seems to have gone dead.

It looks like this story may have been the result of errantly associating unrelated illnesses (a snakebite, sporadic encephalitis cases, a heart attack, heatstroke, etc.). There seemed to have been no evidence of any links between the cases. It looks from the earlier posts that at least 3 of the 6 fatalities were given non-infectious diagnoses. I would think that if this was West Nile, or if there were an ongoing undiagnosed outbreak, there would be more noise by now.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says-6 dead

Huh, that's weird - there was close to nothing on the major newspapers about this. When we were flying back from Bodrum on the 1st of September, the woman sitting next to me said they were going back because her son-in-law was hospitalized in Istanbul after severe headaches and loss of consciousness a day after returning to Istanbul (from Bodrum). She also said that all they said at the hospital was that it was "some form of encephalitis" and nothing more, though he seemed to be gettign better.

Anyways, heard of the outbreak in Greece, thought of my flutracker friends and found this!

In short, either it's not very serious here in Turkey, or they're keeping it under wraps till the touristic season ends. Love to all, z

Thanks Zkurmus!

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says - 6 dead - WNV Confirmed

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says - 6 dead - WNV Confirmed

machinetranslated

The West Nile Virus was found in Turkey

The West Nile Virus in Greece to be effective are also found in Turkey were announced by the Ministry of Health.


September 8. 2010 Wednesday

source: http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25129898/

West Nile Virus in Turkey!

September 8, 2010 Wednesday

Manisa in the west nile virus came to the fore after the death of the disease was found in Turkey emerged.

The deaths occurred in Manisa in a row after coming to the fore, but it can not be identified for West Nile virus emerged in Turkey.

Ministry of Health, "in cases of West Nile virus infection were observed in Turkey" comment was made. Today the Ministry of Science Council and Ministry officials will attend a press conference to do.

Manisa since August 12 with fever, thrombocytopenia (reduced blood clotting cells officials), changes in consciousness and the 16 patients admitted with rash and 6 died of panic that began on the West Nile Virus.

However, these viruses were found in the examination. Health Department created a committee on the subject. Installation work was completed.Press conference will be held today with the findings will be shared with the public.

http://www.internethaber.com/bati-nil-virusu-turkiyede-290570h.htm

.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says - 6 dead - WNV Confirmed

Re: Mystery Manisa virus may be West Nile, Turkey says - 6 dead - WNV Confirmed

Today's confirmation of human cases of infection with West Nile Virus (WNV) in Turkey is not a surprise.


Neighbouring countries are reporting WNV infections.


A surveillance study published in 2009 showed the presence of the virus in blooddonors:

West Nile Virus Seroprevalence in Blood Donors from Central Anatolia, Turkey.



In another study published in april this year 87 adult patients with the preliminary diagnosis of aseptic meningitis/encephalitis of unknown etiology were evaluated retrospectively to identify WNV-related syndromes.

8 (9.2%) of these patients were found to be positive for WNV.



In 2007 in serological tests of 181 human serum samples, 29 (16%) were found to be West Nile positive. (Sanliurfa Province) .



In 2005 researchers found serological evidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mammalian species in Turkey, including humans:

In this study, the sera collected from a variety of mammalian species (ass-mules, cat, cattle, dog, horse, human and sheep) in 10 representative provinces of Turkey, were surveyed for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV).

Overall, 1 of 40 (2·5%) ass-mules, 4 of 100 (4%) cattle, 43 of 114 (37·7%) dogs, 35 of 259 (13·5%) horses, 18 of 88 (20·4%) humans and 1 of 100 (1%) sheep, tested positive for WNV-neutralizing antibodies.

The results indicate that a wide range of mammals are exposed to a West Nile-related virus and this could contribute to the long-term survival of this virus in the absence of overt disease.

Full article

.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Turkey - West Nile Virus confirmed - 7 patients - 3 deaths

machinetranslated

West Nile Virus was found in seven patients, three people died

source : http://yenisafak.com.tr/Gundem/?i=277567

3 people killed in Turkey

Wednesday September 8, 2010

Haatalık bikldirimi were seen. As a scientific research institute of infectious diseases is developed and launched investigations. Investigations were performed in 16 patients in Manisa, especially from the air temperature is very high because of the heart, had died of causes such as lung disease. West Nile virus was found in a patient here.

To date, five provinces and seven cases were diagnosed with West Nile fever. 3 of these patients died.

http://www.haberturk.com/saglik/haber/550068-turkiyede-3-kisi-oldu

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Turkey - West Nile Virus confirmed - 7 patients - 3 deaths

Three die of West Nile virus in Turkey

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

ISTANBUL -

The fatal West Nile virus, which has also been seen in northern Greece, has now been diagnosed in seven people in five Turkish provinces. Three have died from the disease, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday.

Two patients are still being treated for West Nile virus, which has killed 18 people in Greece so far this season, Mustafa Ertek, the head of the Health Ministry?s public-health center, said at a press conference Wednesday, adding that it was too early to talk about an epidemic.

The virus is spread by mosquitoes, which can transfer it to people, horses and other mammals. It can also be spread by blood transfusion, organ transplant or from mothers to babies during pregnancy or nursing.

Sixteen people were admitted to Manisa Public Hospital with complaints of high fever within an approximately two-week period starting Aug. 12. Six of them later died.

Doctors sent blood samples from the patients to the Health Ministry?s Refik Saydam Health Center in order to test for any signs of an epidemic. The Health Ministry had previously declared that the six deaths in Manisa were not related to West Nile virus.

read more

 

[alert]

Re: Turkey - West Nile Virus confirmed - 7 patients - 3 deaths

It looks like of the original 16 patients, of whom 6 died, at least one, and maybe as many as three have been confirmed as WNV. At least three of the fatalities have been confirmed due to non-infectious causes, the result of a snakebite, a heart attack, and heatstroke.

This is one of those times when the suspected diagnosis carried more weight than the reported symptoms.