West Nile virus creeps north in record year for EU cases
Dozens of human cases have been recorded in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The West Nile virus is spreading rapidly across the European Union this year, reaching new regions and setting a record for case numbers, health authorities have reported. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, a total of 1,715 cases have been recorded, resulting in 130 deaths from the virus, which is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites.
Greece, Italy, and France are the most affected countries, but the virus is spreading further north into Belgium and the Netherlands, where recent detections have been confirmed. The ECDC warns that the trend of the virus moving north is expected to continue in the coming years. In the Netherlands, 59 human cases have been reported, while Belgium has reported 15.
The vast majority of West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic, but the disease can cause fever and, in severe cases, lead to neurological complications, potentially becoming deadly. Preventative measures, such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long clothing, and utilizing window screens or air conditioning, are recommended to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
