West Nile Virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitos, which bite mainly at night, from dusk until dawn. Hosts of the virus are usually birds, and the disease usually spreads from mosquito to bird but occasionally the disease is spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States reports that since 1999 more than 30,000 people in the US have reported being sick with West Nile Virus. So far in 2012 there have been 693 cases reported; unfortunately this includes 26 deaths. This is a marked increase in cases from previous years. (www.cdc.gov)
In Greece the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported its first case of West Nile virus much earlier in the season and so far there have been 46 laboratory confirmed cases, which unfortunately included three deaths. (www.nathnac.org)
About 80% or four out of five of those people who contract West Nile virus will have no symptoms at all. Less than 20% will have mild symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and a skin rash which usually only last a few days but can last up to a few weeks. Less than 1% or one in 150 people with West Nile virus will get the severe form of the disease, which include neurological symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis which can lead to permanent brain damage and death. Incubation period is between three and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Be aware that risks to travellers to Europe and the USA is low, but those at higher risk are those over 50 and those travellers who will be spending a long period of time outside. There is currently no vaccine against West Nile Virus so good attention to detail with bite avoidance measures is essential. Use DEET, Picaradine and EX4 (current stock in short supply) to protect yourself – all obtainable at The Travel Clinic Ltd
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