Gesundheit: West-Nil-Virus: Südwesten meldet erstmals zwei Infektionen

In Baden-Württemberg, two local infections with the West Nile virus in humans were confirmed last week, according to the state's Social Ministry. Both individuals had no recent travel history outside the country, as reported. The virus is believed to have been transmitted to the individuals through bites from infected mosquitoes in the Stuttgart and Karlsruhe areas.

The West Nile virus was first detected in birds and horses in Baden-Württemberg in 2024. Health Minister Oliver Hildenbrand stated that it was not surprising to see the virus now in humans in the region, but the current assessment by the state health department does not indicate an increased risk to the general public. So far this year, there have been four locally acquired West Nile virus infections in Germany, with previous cases primarily occurring in eastern German states.

The four cases documented by October 7th were two in Berlin and one each in Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate. The virus is primarily transmitted between wild birds by mosquitoes, but can also infect humans and other mammals. According to the Robert Koch Institute, about 20% of people infected with the West Nile virus develop West Nile fever, a fever-like flu-like illness, while only about one in 100 severely ill individuals develop complications.

The West Nile fever typically resolves without complications, the institute states, although severe cases may experience late effects relatively frequently.