The first case of hemorrhagic fever caused by the Dengue virus in the last two years was reported in the Republic of Moldova. The patient is a 26-year-old woman from Chisinau, who recently returned from India, IPN reports.

The National Public Health Agency said that it goes to an infection transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. “The person fell ill during a trip to India, where the first symptoms appeared: fever, chills, myalgia, arthralgia. Last Friday, September 13, the woman returned to Moldova and now she receives appropriate treatment,” reads a press release of the institution.

According to the Agency, four cases of Dengue fever were registered in Moldova. All the patients got infected abroad. In 2019, one case was registered, in 2020 – two cases, and in 2022 – again one case.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, a type of mosquito that is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, and currently exists in the habitats of the Republic of Moldova as well, as specialists say. The infection is caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes, but it is not transmitted from one person to another, or through particular objects. The symptoms of Dengue fever can range from mild to severe: fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash and fatigue.

“Early diagnosis is important for treating the patient as quickly as possible. Two vaccines against Dengue are available, both designed for use in areas where Dengue fever is common, i.e. not in Europe,” the Agency noted.

Public health specialists advise citizens who travel to an endemic area to protect themselves from mosquito bites, wear clothes that cover their skin as much as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts or blouses and long pants.