Belgium reports first cases of probable locally acquired human West Nile virus

Belgian media reported Friday, citing the Flemish Department of Care, that five probable locally acquired cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection had been detected in Belgium's northern region of Flanders.

All five cases, the first probable human WNV infections ever recorded in Belgium, require further testing for final confirmation, according to media reports.

Four of the patients developed neurological symptoms, and one was hospitalized. The cases were identified in the provinces of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant, where the virus had previously been detected in horses and birds.

Anneleen De Sadeleer, spokesperson for the Flemish Department of Care, said the reports of human infections did not mean people in Flanders should be alarmed. "For most people, the risk of severe illness remains very low," she said.

The department said more cases could emerge before the mosquito season ends in October, although the risk is likely to decline as temperatures fall.

WNV is mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes and does not spread from person to person through ordinary contact.

Across Europe, 1,086 locally acquired human cases had been reported in 15 countries as of September 3, including 61 deaths. The figure exceeded the average of 736 cases reported during the same period over the previous decade.

(Cover: West Nile virus blood sample. /VCG)