West Nile Virus in Europe (Update 1)

Between 3 and 9 August 2018, European Union countries reported 120 human cases of West Nile fever. Italy reported 72 cases, Greece 16 cases (3 deaths), Romania 16 cases (1 death), Hungary 13 cases and France 3 cases.

Neighbouring countries reported 34 cases; Serbia reported 32 cases (5 deaths) and Kosovo 2 cases (1 death).

In 2018 there has been a total of 335 cases and 17 deaths in the European Union and neighbouring countries listed above, with the transmission season starting ealier than usual this year.

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