West Nile outbreak has Dutch health min. asking people to sleep under mosquito nets

Health Minister Sophie Hermans (VVD) is advising people to sleep under a mosquito net if they have one to avoid the West Nile infection, which has recently taken the life of a 78-year-old Utrecht man.

Nine more infections were reported last week, and the death toll rose to three, according to RTV Utrecht. Those who died were reportedly elderly people with already existing health complications, Hermans said.

According to Hermans, the virus can only be prevented by yourself protecting against mosquitos. Another protective method is staying alert to "what is flying in your house,” the minister said. The insects pick up the virus when feeding on the blood of infected birds.

A spokesperson for the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said there are now 18 infections in total. It added that some of the cases are in the Utrecht province.

People with health complications are advised to wear covering clothing or put screens on windows. RIVM added that the chances of contracting West Nile virus remain small. Even among already infected individuals, the chance of falling seriously ill is also low.

The man who has died in Utrecht was “very vital,” his niece said. His death was very unexpected.

Hermens clarified that the Health Ministry can only alert care providers of the virus’s symptoms. That information is sent to general practitioners and regional municipal health services (GGDs).