West Nile Virus Outbreak in Germany, 3 Buzzards Killed, Thousands of People Feared to be at Risk!

According to the latest news released by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), on August 22, 2024, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture reported to WOAH that there is unfortunately an outbreak of West Nile Fever in Germany.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. WNV is mainly found in birds and mosquitoes in Africa, Asia and Europe. Mosquitoes bite infected birds and spread it to humans. Most infected people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, such as fever and headache. However, a small number of people may develop serious nervous system infections, encephalitis, meningitis, etc., with a high fatality rate. WNV was first detected in Uganda in the 1930s, first broke out in the United States in 1999, and has continued to circulate in the United States and worldwide since then. In 2022, the U.S. CDC reported more than 2,000 cases of West Nile fever and 185 deaths, the worst outbreak in nearly 20 years. These include mosquito control, vaccination, and avoiding exposure to mosquito bites. For high-risk groups, enhanced surveillance and treatment are also needed.

West Nile Fever is a highly regarded viral disease that is still not fully under control and requires concerted efforts to control it.

The outbreak, which occurred in the former Pomerania-Rugen district of Mecklenburg-Former Pomerania, was confirmed on August 6, 2024, and the source of the outbreak is currently unknown. After laboratory testing, three strigoi were found to be suspected of infection, and unfortunately all became ill and eventually died.

At present, the outbreak is still ongoing, and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture will strictly follow the relevant procedures and submit regular weekly follow-up reports to WOAH.