Russia sees possible increase in West Nile virus cases this autumn

MOSCOW: Russia warned on Monday of a possible increase in West Nile virus infections this autumn as mild temperatures and heavy precipitation create favourable conditions for the mosquitos that carry it.

Originally from Africa, the virus has spread in Europe, Asia and North America. It is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to a fatal neurological disease in humans, although most people infected never develop any symptoms. Scientists have said that milder temperatures attributed to climate change could cause diseases such as the West Nile virus to become more widespread.