West Nile Virus in France (Corsica/ Alpes-Maritimes)

A human case of West Nile virus in Corsica, France has been reported. The individual visited the island on holiday, travelling there from Alpes-Maritimes on the mainland; an area where West Nile cases have been reported this year. The local director of public health was reported as saying that, while authorities could not exclude the possibility that the case acquired the disease on Corsica, it was likely that infection occured in Alpes-Maritimes.

In addition two horses were also reported with the virus in Upper Corsica.

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