Belgium reports first two West Nile virus deaths

Belgium’s Flanders region confirmed Thursday the country’s first two deaths from West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne infection that has caused cases across Europe this year.

Officials did not give details about the two people who died, but said they were at risk of severe illness. Local media reported that Flanders has confirmed 14 cases, including the two deaths.

West Nile virus can cause flu-like symptoms. In severe cases it can lead to tremors, fever, coma, encephalitis or meningitis.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said last week that 18 European countries had recorded more than 1,850 cases this year.