West Nile Virus in Europe (Update 2)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that between 17 and 23 August 2018, European Union (EU) countries saw 136 human cases of West Nile fever: Italy (59), Greece (31), Romania (25), Hungary (19) and France (2).

EU neighbouring countries reported 82 cases: Israel (49) and Serbia (33).

This week, 19 deaths were reported by Greece (7), Romania (5), Serbia (4) and Italy (3).

In the 2018 transmission season up to 23 August, there have been 410 cases in EU countries: Italy (183), Greece (106), Hungary (58), Romania (56), France (5) and Croatia (2).

EU neighbouring countries reported 210 human cases: Serbia (159), Israel (49) and Kosovo* (2). 39 deaths from West Nile fever have been reported by Serbia (15), Greece (11), Italy (6), Romania (6) and Kosovo (1).

Advice for Travellers

West Nile virus (WNV) is present in many countries across the world but the risk to travellers is low.

All travellers should be advised to practice Mosquito Bite Avoidance, especially from dusk till dawn during peak transmission times and when epidemics are known to be occurring.

No vaccine is available against WNV.

NOTE: UK Blood Transfusion Services accept donation from travellers returning from areas where there is a risk of West Nile Fever, provided the blood is tested negative for WNV.

• It is important donors inform the transfusion services about all recent travel outside the UK so the blood can be tested for WNV, as this is not a routine screening test.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have produced a leaflet which details information about blood donation after travel:

• Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Travel Leaflet

For further advice see West Nile Fever