West Nile virus (WNV) season continues and infections and the death toll are mounting – now 283 cases and 17 deaths – although the virus is circulating in 52 provinces on 10 regions (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily, and Sardinia). The fatalities occurred in Piedmont, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna up to Sept 27. Italian health authorities also announced the detection of five Usutu virus cases: four asymptomatic and one with neuro-invasive complications (from Piedmont and Lombardy). On a regional level, the weekly ECDC update advised that the following areas have reported locally-acquired WNV cases for the first time: ‘Ioannina in Greece; Cáceres in Spain; Charente, Gard and Vaucluse in France; and Taranto and Lecce in Italy’. Read more
A FURTHER update on locally-acquired dengue fever cases advised that 36 infections in three unlinked transmission events had been reported to Sept 25: 25 cases in Lodi, two in Latina, and nine in Rome, ‘with exposures in different parts of the metropolitan city of Rome for which investigations are underway to verify any epidemiological links’. Read more
Advice for travellers
West Nile virus is endemic in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean basin, with epidemics regularly reported in summer and autumn since the 1950s. 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 reporting human cases, particularly the peak transmission season, should take measures to avoid mosquito bites. Europe’s outbreaks are not as severe or widespread as in other regions where the virus occurs, notably North America. 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.