About two months after Europe reported the first human West Nile virus (WNV) was seen in Sofia, Bulgaria, health officials are now reporting seven human WNV cases across several countries.

Austria/CIA
Austria/CIA

As of Aug. 13, the seven human cases of WNV  reported in EU Member States include: Italy (4), Bulgaria (1), Romania (1) and Austria (1). In addition, eight cases were detected in neighboring countries of Israel (7) and Serbia (1).

During the past week, Austria reported its first case of West Nile fever, detected in an asymptomatic blood donor from Vienna. In neighbouring countries, Serbia reported a laboratory-confirmed case of West Nile virus infection in Juzno-Banatski district. This is the first case reported by Serbia in the current transmission season. Israel reported four new cases diagnosed in August in the following areas: Northern District (2), Tel Aviv (1) and Central District (1).

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne disease, transmitted by the most common local mosquito species in Europe (Culex), which is found throughout Europe and is active during the summer. There is no vaccine or prophylaxis available, the only prevention is through avoiding and preventing mosquito bites.
Most human infections with West Nile virus are asymptomatic.  Most people that get sick have mild, flu-like symptoms, lasting for three to six days – such as fever, headache and body aches. Weakness, malaise, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, nausea and vomiting could also occur. In rare cases the infection could lead to serious complications of the nervous system such as encephalitis, meningo-encephalitis or meningitis.
Image/CDC
Image/CDC