From POLITICO · · 1m
West Nile virus hits record cases across EU
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reports 1,715 cases and 130 deaths this year, with the virus spreading north into Belgium and the Netherlands.
In brief
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reports 1,715 cases and 130 deaths this year, with the virus spreading north into Belgium and the Netherlands. West Nile virus cases across the EU reached a record one thousand seven hundred fifteen this year with one hundred thirty deaths, and the virus is…
Record West Nile cases across Europe
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported one thousand seven hundred fifteen cases this year with one hundred thirty deaths from West Nile virus, mainly transmitted through mosquito bites.
Virus spreads north into new regions
Greece, Italy and France are worst affected, but the virus is now circulating further north. Belgium reported fifteen cases and the Netherlands reported fifty nine human cases so far this year.
“Recent detections in people and animals in Belgium and the Netherlands show that the virus is now circulating further north, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years.”
Prevention measures recommended
West Nile virus is asymptomatic in eighty percent of humans but can cause fever and severe neurological disease. The ECDC recommends mosquito repellent, long clothing, and window screens to reduce risk.
The takeaway
West Nile virus cases across the EU reached a record one thousand seven hundred fifteen this year with one hundred thirty deaths, and the virus is spreading north into Belgium and the Netherlands.
