Awaiting the first locally-acquired human West Nile Virus Infecion in Belgium

Abstract: West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne Flavivirus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Birds are the primary hosts. However, the virus can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Human infection is mostly asymptomatic, but 1 in 5 may develop illness: West Nile fever or severe West Nile neuroinvasive disease. Although the virus and disease are spreading in Europe, no locally acquired infections have been reported in Belgium. However, there is a real risk that West Nile virus infections will occur in Belgium in the near future. Because children can become infected and ill, pediatri... Mehr ...