Italian mediaquoting the national public health institute have reported 3 cases of West Nile fever in Italy since the beginning of July 2022. One case was reported in Modena (Emilia Romagna) and 2 cases in Padua (Veneto). One of the cases in Padua died of the disease.
West Nile fever is caused by West Nile virus (WNV) and occurs annually in Italy. The virus is spread bymosquito bites and can cause a flu-like illness and rarely, severe disease.
Advice for Travellers
WNV is rare in travellers. There is no vaccine against WNV.
When visiting areas experiencing an outbreak of WNV, you should:
- practicemosquito bite avoidancemeasures both day and night
- seek medical advice if you develop a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms with a high temperature (fever) following travel to a risk area
Note for blood donors: if you have recently travelled to an area with WNV transmission, you may need to be tested for WNV before donating blood.
- see theScottish National Blood Transfusion Service websitefor further details
For further information see the fitfortravelWest Nile Feverpage.
