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Review
. 2022;24(10):117-128.
doi: 10.1007/s11908-022-00783-4. Epub 2022 Aug 4.

West Nile virus: another emerging arboviral risk for travelers?

Chinmay Jani  1   2 , Loukas Kakoullis  1   2 , Nour Abdallah  3 , Christian Mouchati  4   5 , Stephanie Page  1   2 , Robert Colgrove  1   2   6 , Lin H Chen  1   2   6   7
Affiliations
Review

West Nile virus: another emerging arboviral risk for travelers?

Chinmay Jani et al. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Culex. Manifestations of WNV infection range from asymptomatic to devastating neuroinvasive disease leading to flaccid paralysis and death. This review examines WNV epidemiology and ecology, with an emphasis on travel-associated infection.

Recent findings: WNV is widespread, including North America and Europe, where its range has expanded in the past decade. Rising temperatures in temperate regions are predicted to lead to an increased abundance of Culex mosquitoes and an increase in their ability to transmit WNV. Although the epidemiologic patterns of WNV appear variable, its geographic distribution most certainly will continue to increase. Travelers are at risk for WNV infection and its complications. Literature review identified 39 cases of documented travel-related WNV disease, the majority of which resulted in adverse outcomes, such as neuroinvasive disease, prolonged recovery period, or death.

Summary: The prediction of WNV risk is challenging due to the complex interactions of vector, pathogen, host, and environment. Travelers planning to visit endemic areas should be advised regarding WNV risk and mosquito bite prevention. Evaluation of ill travelers with compatible symptoms should consider the diagnosis of WNV for those visiting in endemic areas as well as for those returning from destinations with known WNV circulation.

Keywords: Culex mosquito; Emerging infection; Epidemiology; Flavivirus; Imported; Neuroinvasive; One Health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestChinmay Jani, Loukas Kakoullis, Nour Abdallah, Christian Mouchati, Stephanie Page, and Robert Colgrove report no conflict of interest. Lin Chen reports honoraria from Shoreland Inc, Valneva Inc, Takeda, Sanofi-Pasteur, Emergent BioSolutions, and Merck, not related to this work.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Timeline of outbreaks and new regions identified to have West Nile virus. b Reported cases of West Nile virus in travelers (area of acquisition)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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