West Nile virus
Despite its name, WNVisfound in many parts of the world, including:
In tropical countries, it's possible to catch WNV all year round. In places with changing summer and winter seasons, such as North America, WNV is usually more common during summer and autumn.
For more information about thearea you are visiting, check the Travel Health Pro website .
There have been no confirmed cases of WNV originating in the UK, and cases affecting travellers returning to the UK are very rare.
WNV isspread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. They can then spread the virus to humans and other animals they bite.
The viruscannot be spread from close person-to-person contact for example, by kissing someone who is infected.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus spread by mosquitoes that is found in many countries around the world.
Despite its name, WNVisfound in many parts of the world, including: Africa west and central Asia The Middle East Europe, particularly southern Europe North, Central and South America The Caribb
WNV can usually be diagnosed witha blood test . If meningitis is suspected,a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord) will be removed during a lumbar puncture a
As there is no specifictreatment or vaccine for WNV, it's best to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes when visiting affected areas. The mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active around dusk and dawn. Yo