Epidemiology of human West Nile virus infections in the European Union and European Union enlargement countries, 2010 to 2018

Abstract

BackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) circulates in an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds; humans are accidental hosts.AimWe analysed human WNV infections reported between 2010 and 2018 to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to better understand WNV epidemiology.MethodsWe describe probable and confirmed autochthonous human cases of WNV infection reported by European Union (EU) and EU enlargement countries. Cases with unknown clinical manifestation or with unknown place of infection at NUTS 3 or GAUL 1 level were excluded from analysis.ResultsFrom southern, eastern and western Europe, 3,849 WNV human infections and 379 deaths were reported. Most cases occurred between June and October. Two large outbreaks occurred, in 2010 (n = 391) and in 2018 (n = 1,993). The outbreak in 2018 was larger than in all previous years and the first cases were reported unusually early. The number of newly affected areas (n = 45) was higher in 2018 than in previous years suggesting wider spread of WNV.ConclusionReal-time surveillance of WNV infections is key to ensuring that clinicians and public health authorities receive early warning about the occurrence of cases and potential unusual seasonal patterns. Human cases may appear shortly after first detection of animal cases. Therefore, public health authorities should develop preparedness plans before the occurrence of human or animal WNV infections.

Keywords: Europe; West Nile fever; West Nile virus; epidemiology; surveillance; vector-borne infections.

Figure 1

Reported cases of West Nile virus infection by month and year of disease onset^a and seasonal distribution, EU and EU enlargement countries, 2010–2018 (n = 3,849)

Figure 2

Geographical distribution of cases of West Nile virus infection by affected areas (NUTS 3 level or GAUL 1) and year, EU and EU enlargement countries, 2010–2018 (n = 3,849)