Belgian health authorities announced on Thursday that two people have died and 14 cases have been confirmed following an outbreak of the West Nile virus. The deceased individuals were identified as having risk factors that made them susceptible to severe forms of the illness. Officials noted that these deaths were not unexpected, given the local circulation of the virus over the past few months. While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, the virus can lead to serious neurological complications, particularly in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Health authorities are now focusing on raising awareness among medical staff and elderly care facilities to strengthen preventative measures against mosquito bites, as mosquitoes transmit the virus after feeding on infected birds.