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West Nile virus infection

West Nile virus (WNV) infection is a mosquito-borne zoonosis that is endemo-epidemic in Europe. The disease affects countries in southern, eastern and western Europe. The virus is transmitted among birds via the bite of infected mosquitoes and incidentally humans and other mammals may become infected. About 80% of WNV infections in humans are asymptomatic. West Nile fever (WNF) is the most common clinical presentation. The elderly and immunocompromised persons are at higher risk of developing West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND). No specific prophylaxis or treatment exist against the disease in humans.

Weekly updates: 2021 West Nile virus transmission season

Interactive dashboard: West Nile virus transmission

Facts

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is maintained in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes and birds. Humans are accidental hosts.

Surveillance and disease data

Threats and outbreaks

Prevention and control

The best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is preventing mosquito bites. Control measures include strengthening mosquito surveillance in areas in Europe at risk of importation of mosquitoes and virus transmission.

Latest outputs

Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 12-18 September 2021, week 37

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Communicable disease threats report, 5 - 11 September, week 36

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Communicable disease threats report, 29 August - 4 September, week 35

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Communicable disease threats report, 1-7 August, week 31

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Data

West Nile virus in Europe in 2021 - outbreaks among equids and/or birds, updated 16 September 2021

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Data

West Nile virus in Europe in 2021 - human cases, updated 16 September 2021

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Data

West Nile virus in Europe in 2021 - infections among humans and outbreaks among equids and/or birds, updated 16 September 2021

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Data

West Nile virus in Europe in 2021 - human cases compared to previous seasons, updated 16 September 2021

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Peer-Reviewed Publication

West Nile virus keeps on moving up in Europe

Nov 2020

Peer-Reviewed Publication

West Nile virus in Europe: After action reviews of preparedness and response to the 2018 transmission season in Italy, Slovenia, Serbia and Greece

May 2020

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Enhancing Preparedness for Arbovirus Infections with a One Health Approach: The Development and Implementation of Multisectoral Risk Assessment Exercises

Apr 2020

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Early start of the West Nile fever transmission season 2018 in Europe

Aug 2018

Related diseases

Disease / public health area

Chikungunya virus disease

Disease / public health area

Dengue

Disease / public health area

Japanese encephalitis

Disease networks

Emerging Viral Diseases-Expert Laboratory Network (EVD-LabNet)

European network for medical and veterinary entomology (VectorNet)

Infographic

Mosquito-borne diseases: An emerging threat

What are emerging/tropical mosquito-borne diseases? What are the different species of mosquitoes in Europe and the diseases they can carry?