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West Nile Virus in Europe (Update 2)

20 Sep 2017

West Nile virus continues to be reported in Europe.

In the week to 14 September 2017, Serbia reported 9 cases and Hungary reported 1 case, all in previously affected areas. Greece reported the death of a previously reported case.

From the beginning of the 2017 transmission season and to 14 September 2017, West Nile virus has been reported by Greece (40 cases); Italy (27 cases); Romania (22 cases); Hungary (10 cases); Austria (2 cases) and Serbia (28 cases). In the surrounding region, Israel has reported 9 cases.

Advice for Travellers

There is no vaccine against WNV.

Travellers should practice Mosquito Bite Avoidance when visiting areas experiencing an outbreak of WNV.  These outbreaks will be listed on the destination pages of fitfortravel. Medical advice can be sought if symptoms develop following travel to a risk area.

Note for blood donors: If you have travelled to an area with WNV in the past 4 months you may need to be tested for WNV before donating blood. All travel must be mentioned to the Blood Transfusion Service so that they can determine whether you need to be tested. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have produced a leaflet which details information about blood donation after travel:

For further information see West Nile Fever.