West Nile Virus in the USA (New York)

According to media New York City has reported its first case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The patient is a Manhattan resident, aged over 50years. He was hospitalized in June and has with encephalitis and has since been discharged from hospital. This is the earliest case of WNV in New York City since surveillance began in 1999.

Advice for Travellers

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