We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.

placeholder="Enter search term...">
Suitcase

West Nile Virus in Europe (Update 1)

27 August 2019

Transmission of West Nile virus continues in Europe. From the beginning of the 2019 transmission season to 22 August 2019, 127 West Nile infections have been reported in EU member states: Greece (88), Romania (11), Cyprus (9), Italy (3), Hungary (3), Austria (1), Bulgaria (1) and France (1).

In EU neighbouring countries, 10 cases have been reported by Serbia (3) and Turkey (7).

Ten deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (6), Romania (2), Cyprus (1) and Serbia (1).

 

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 at all times, especially during peak transmission times and when outbreaks 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:

 

 

For further advice see West Nile Fever