TUNIS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian health authorities have confirmed a second case of West Nile fever since August, according to a report by the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) on Wednesday.

The patient, a 68-year-old man from the northeastern province of Zaghouan, was admitted to the intensive care unit at Zaghouan Regional Hospital earlier this week after laboratory tests confirmed the infection, said Nabil El Warfali, deputy director of Primary Health.

El Warfali added that the man's son, in his 30s, has also been asked to undergo medical tests after showing symptoms consistent with the mosquito-borne illness.

This case follows the death of an elderly resident of El Fahs on Aug. 21 at the same hospital.

West Nile fever is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. While most infections are either asymptomatic or mild, the disease can trigger flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, weakness, conjunctivitis, rashes, and occasionally nausea or diarrhea. In rare cases, it can lead to severe neurological complications.

Health authorities have urged municipalities to step up mosquito-control efforts, including pesticide spraying and the removal of stagnant water that serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. ■