West Nile virus in Europe, Russia and Israel
06 September 2010
The outbreak of West Nile virus infection in the Region of Central Macedonia is ongoing and a few cases have now been reported from the neighbouring district of Larissa. As of 3 Sep 2010, a total of 173 laboratory confirmed cases and 15 deaths have been recorded since the first case was reported at the beginning of Aug 2010.
West Nile virus transmission has also been identified in other European and non-European countries.
Hungary: Three confirmed cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported by the Health Authorities. Two cases were identified in the Central Hungarian Region and the other was resident in the county of Bekes, close to the Romanian border.
Romania: The Health Authorities have reported 13 confirmed and 2 probable cases of West Nile virus infection in the last two months; two of the cases have died as a result. Cases are being reported from 11 districts of Romania.
Israel: On 10 Aug 2010, 24 confirmed cases of West Nile virus infection were reported from Israel. Most of the cases were identified in the Central and Tel Aviv region, although isolated cases were also reported from the Haifa region.
Russia: Cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported in Russia. During Jul-Aug 2010, a total of 231 cases (including 6 deaths) have been reported. The majority of cases have been reported from the Volograd region but in recent days, 35 cases were identified in Rostov. Sporadic cases have also been reported from the Astrakhan and Voronezh oblasts, Krasnodar kray and the Republic of Kalmykia.
Advice for travellers
West Nile Fever is spread by mosquito bites. It has become more widely recognised in recent years in Europe. Travellers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites especially during summer months.
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