Brits heading to Europe’s favourite sunshine resorts are being warned after health chiefs raised the alarm over a fast-growing outbreak of a virus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says recurring heatwaves are helping infected mosquitoes spread the West Nile virus across more of Europe just as millions head abroad for their holidays. The warning covers popular destinations including Greece, Italy, Spain and France, all of which have reported locally acquired cases this summer. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 81 cases have been confirmed across six European countries so far this season.
West Nile virus cases in Europe
Country Cases
- Italy 46
- Greece 21
- North Macedonia 5
- Romania 5
- Spain 3
- France 1
Greece has seen the sharpest recent surge, with 14 of its 21 cases recorded in the past week alone.
Twenty patients have suffered serious brain or nervous system complications and 13 remain in hospital. Italy has recorded the biggest outbreak overall, with 46 confirmed infections spread across 20 provinces.
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.”
He 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.”
There is no vaccine for humans and no specific treatment. Doctors can only treat the symptoms, with severe cases requiring hospital care.
The WHO says the overall risk to travellers remains low. But it is urging anyone visiting affected areas to avoid mosquito bites.
Around 70% to 80% of people infected never develop symptoms. Others may suffer fever, headaches, muscle aches, sickness and fatigue. In rare cases, the virus can trigger meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and even death.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. It is not spread through normal person-to-person contact.
Health officials advise travellers to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, avoid mosquito bites at dawn and dusk, and remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
The European transmission season runs from late spring until autumn, with cases usually peaking between July and September.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
