Coming a matter of weeks after the first detection of West Nile virus in birds in Utrecht region, a human infection has now been confirmed in the area. This year in Europe, almost 300 WNV cases have been reported – Greece with the most (137 and 20 deaths), followed by Spain (75, seven deaths) and Italy (65, five deaths). The ECDC also announced the first locally-acquired human WNV cases for previously unaffected areas of Bulgaria (Pazardzhik province), Spain (Badajoz province) and Germany (regions of Barnim, Ostprignitz-Ruppin, Saalekreis, Halle and Meissen).
Advice for travellers
Most human WNV infections (70-80%) are mild, subclinical or asymptomatic, but around 1-in-150 cases involve potentially severe neuroinvasive disease. The virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which feed mainly around dawn and dusk. While the risk of infection for most travellers is generally low, those visiting regions during the peak transmission season should take measures to avoid mosquito bites. Read more on WNV.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.