West Nile Virus OUTBREAK: Europe hit by 975 cases as disease claims 25 more lives

A NEW report has revealed nearly 1,000 cases of the deadly West Nile virus have been recorded in Europe, three times the number recorded in 2017, with 25 deaths from the infectious disease occurring across Europe in the last week alone.

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The new finding, released by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) today, highlighted a rise in cases of the disease in the week August 26 to August 30.

The ECDC monitors the occurrence of West Nile virus and published weekly updates to inform authorities of areas where there is a high level of ongoing virus transmission.

The report detailed how European Union (EU) Member States reported 300 human cases of West Nile fever.

There were 144 cases in Italy, 81 in Romania, 41 in Greece and 38 in Hungary during the latest period, recorded as Week 35 by the ECDC.

An image showing infected mosquitos

The virus is spread by mosquito bites and not by person-to-person (Image: GETTY)

Meanwhile, eight cases were recorded in Austria, six in France, one in Croatia and another case in Slovenia.

Neighbouring countries outside of the EU reported 55 cases, with 54 recorded in Serbia and Kosovo one lone case in Kosovo.

On top of this, 25 deaths were recorded across Europe, with six deaths in Romania and Serbia, seven in Italy, five in Greece and one fatality in France.

However, compared to the previous six years, the proportion of fatal cases had not increased.

An ECDC map showing outbreaks of West Nile virus

An ECDC map showing cases of West Nile fever between 26-30 August (Image: ECDC)

According to the report, Italy had the highest number of infections in humans so far, recording 327 cases.

According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), West Nile virus infection was detected in birds in Germany for the first time.

The infection was detected in two dead owls in a bird park in Halle, near the Saale River in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

The West Nile virus transmission season takes place between June and November.

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The ECDC report also made comparison to the entire 2017 season, revealing that overall cases had increased by 3.4 times the amount of recorded cases in the 12 months previous.

The report said: “The high number of cases observed this year compared with previous years suggests a high level of virus circulation in affected countries, which could potentially result in an even higher number of cases during the coming months.

“Personal protection from mosquito bites is advisable for any person residing in or visiting affected areas, especially the elderly and immunocompromised who are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.”

The stark figures follow a hot summer which is said to have brought with it a higher number of mosquitoes potentially carrying the disease.

A microscopic close-up of West Nile virus bacteria

The number of cases in Italy has risen to 327 (Image: GETTY)

West Nile Virus comes as mosquitos feed on infected birds and transmit the infection to humans, and it can have deadly consequences.

As the disease is not spread from person-to-person, the only way to stop the spread of the disease is to prevent being bitten by mosquitos.

In the UK, the NHS notes there have been no cases of contracting the virus in the UK.

Brits are most at risk from contracting the disease while travelling abroad.

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega

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