The World Health Organisation has warned Brits heading to popular European holiday destinations to take extra care as a fast-growing West Nile virus outbreak spreads across the continent. Recurring heatwaves are creating ideal conditions for infected mosquitoes to thrive, helping the virus reach new areas during the busiest holiday period.
Destinations covered by the alert include Greece, Italy, Spain and France, all of which have reported locally acquired cases this summer. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says 81 cases have been confirmed across six European countries so far this season, with Italy and Greece seeing the biggest clusters.
Italy and Greece Hit Hardest
Italy has reported the highest number overall, with 46 confirmed infections across 20 provinces. Greece has recorded the sharpest recent jump, with 14 of its 21 cases logged in the past week alone. Twenty patients have suffered serious brain or nervous system complications and 13 remain in hospital.
Other cases have been recorded in North Macedonia (5), Romania (5), Spain (3) and France (1). Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: "West Nile virus is not a new threat, but the conditions driving its spread are changing rapidly. Warmer temperatures and longer summers are giving mosquitoes more time and territory to transmit this virus."
No Vaccine Available
Dr Kluge added: "Most infections are mild, but roughly one in 150 people who contract the virus will develop a severe infection affecting the central nervous system, which can be life-threatening." The WHO says the overall risk to travellers remains low, but people visiting affected areas are being reminded to protect themselves from bites. There is no vaccine for humans and no specific treatment; doctors can only treat symptoms, with severe cases requiring hospital care.
Most people who catch the virus — around 70% to 80% — do not develop symptoms at all. Those who do can experience fever, headaches, muscle aches, sickness and fatigue. In rare cases, West Nile virus can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and even death.
Prevention Advice
The virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. It is not spread through normal person-to-person contact. Health officials recommend using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, avoiding mosquito exposure at dawn and dusk, and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed. The European transmission season runs from late spring until autumn, with cases typically peaking between July and September.
