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West Nile Virus Outbreak in Germany

A significant increase in West Nile virus infections has been reported in Germany this year, raising concerns about the impact of climate change.

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German

Germany

HealthClimateOutbreakVirusDisease

Robert Koch-Institut (Rki)Dpa-Infocom

In which German states were the most infections reported?: The majority of infections were reported in Saxony (7), Saxony-Anhalt (6), and Berlin (5). Other cases were reported in Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
How many people in Germany have been infected with the West Nile virus this year?: At least 26 people in Germany have been infected with the West Nile virus this year through mosquito bites. Thirteen cases were identified in asymptomatic blood donors, and four infections resulted in severe illness.
How is the West Nile virus primarily transmitted, and how has testing impacted reported case numbers?: The virus is mainly transmitted between wild birds and Culex mosquitoes, which then spread it to humans and other mammals. Increased testing of blood donors in recent years has also contributed to the higher number of reported cases.
What percentage of West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic, and who is most at risk of severe illness?: There is a high number of unreported West Nile virus cases, as about 80% of infections are asymptomatic, and around 20% have mild, unnoticeable symptoms. Severe cases mostly affect elderly people with pre-existing conditions.
When were the first local mosquito-borne West Nile virus infections reported in Germany, and what is the prediction for future cases?: Experts anticipate rising West Nile virus cases due to climate change. The first infections transmitted by local mosquitoes were reported in eastern Germany in late summer 2019, and subsequent years have shown continued cases during summer and autumn.

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