West Nile Virus in Europe (Update 3)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports as of 30 August 2018, there have been 978 cases of West Nile virus disease (WNV) in people in European countries. Of these, 710 in EU/EEA Member States and 265 in neighbouring countries.

Italy has reported 327 cases, Serbia 213, Greece 147, Romania 117, Hungary 96, Israel 49, France 11, Austria 8, Croatia 3, Kosovo 3 and Slovenia 1.

There have been 64 deaths: Serbia 21, Greece 16, Italy 13, Romania 12, France 1 and Kosovo 1.

This year’s total so far represents a 3.4-fold increase in number of WNV infections compared to all of 2017.

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