West Nile fever in Europe in 2018 - human cases compared to the previous season; updated 5 October

In 2018 and as of 4 October 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 317 human cases in Italy (495), Greece (283), Romania (256), Hungary (197), Croatia (45), France (16), Austria (15), Bulgaria (6), Slovenia (3) and the Czech Republic (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 434 human cases in Serbia (350), Israel (81) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 142 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (36), Romania (36), Greece (34), Serbia (32), Bulgaria (1), the Czech Republic (1), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).

During the current transmission season, 222 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (120), Hungary (79), Greece (13), France (5), Romania (2), Austria (1), Germany (1) and Slovenia (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.