West Nile Virus: Weekly Reports on European Cases

Understanding West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus—a virus transmitted by arthropods, primarily mosquitoes. It belongs to the family Flaviviridae and is part of the Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup.

Transmission and Symptoms

WNV is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Most infections are asymptomatic, but some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache.

European West Nile Virus Cases

As of 30 June 2023, European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and EU-neighboring countries have reported 1,340 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection, including 67 fatalities.

Weekly Updates

To stay up-to-date on the latest WNV situation in Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) publishes weekly updates during the transmission season (May to October) on Fridays.

Conclusion

Weekly reports from the ECDC provide timely information on the incidence of West Nile virus cases in Europe. These updates enable public health officials and the public to track the spread of the virus and implement appropriate prevention and control measures.