Dr. Rim Abdelmalek Warns of the Importance of Vigilance Against West Nile Fever
Dr. Rim Abdelmalek, a specialist in infectious diseases, has called on citizens to be vigilant, eliminate standing water, and contact local municipalities or regional authorities in case of mosquito proliferation, as part of the prevention efforts against West Nile Fever, a viral disease. In a statement made on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, on the "Yom Saïd" show on National Radio, the specialist also urged residents living near salt marshes (sebkhas) to report any unusual movement of bird flocks. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.
Symptoms and Transmission
Dr. Abdelmalek specified that 80% of infected individuals do not exhibit any symptoms, while 20% suffer from pain and a skin rash similar to chickenpox, and sometimes inflammation of certain organs. She added that a small percentage of cases present symptoms affecting the central nervous system, such as brain inflammation (encephalitis), meningitis, a type of paralysis, or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).
Prevention and Treatment
Dr. Abdelmalek emphasized that there is no specific treatment or vaccine to prevent West Nile Fever. She indicated that the disease affects all age groups, stressing that the infection is not transmitted from person to person.
Disease Surveillance
Regarding disease surveillance methods, Dr. Abdelmalek stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for monitoring birds and insects, while the Ministry of Health monitors symptoms that appear in humans.
