As reported by the German portal “T-online”, the West Nile virus transmitted by mosquitoes is continuing to spread in Europe, according to data from the European Union’s health agency ECDC. As announced on Friday by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control based in Stockholm, local infection cases have already been recorded in 12 European countries since the beginning of the year.
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In addition to Germany, France, and Austria, Albania, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Kosovo, and Spain are also affected.
Infections have been registered in a total of 99 regions. According to ECDC data, the most cases were identified in Italy – 311, and Greece – 157. In 21 European regions, the West Nile virus appeared for the first time.
During the same period last year, West Nile virus infections were reported in 67 regions across nine European countries. The extent of West Nile virus spread and the distribution of invasive mosquito species show “why Europe needs to strengthen mosquito control capacities,” said ECDC department head Céline Gossner.
According to her, effective mosquito control requires cross-border cooperation and an integrated approach. This should include not only monitoring mosquito populations but also public engagement and “targeted mosquito control solutions, taking environmental impact into account.”
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The virus can cause life-threatening meningitis
The virus was first identified in 1937 in the West Nile region of Uganda. A large proportion of infections are asymptomatic or show only mild symptoms, so only a small number of cases are recorded.
For those infected who develop symptoms, flu-like signs such as chills and fever may appear. In severe cases, patients can fall into a coma. The virus can also reach the brain through the blood and cause life-threatening inflammation of the brain membranes – meningitis.
In Europe, most infections are recorded during the mosquito season – from spring to autumn. The peak transmission period is from July to September. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently no approved vaccines for humans or specific treatments for this virus.
ECDC also notes that the Asian tiger mosquito continues to spread in Europe. This species is now found in 16 European countries – twice as many as twelve years ago. The Asian tiger mosquito can transmit pathogens to humans such as chikungunya, dengue, or Zika viruses.
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