Westnijlvirus (WNV) has recently arrived in the Netherlands
How does the virus spread and what are the risks?
Video credits: stockfootage
Mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus
It occurs mainly in birds
Mosquitoes feed on infected birds and, in turn, infect other animals
West Nile virus was first identified in 1937 in Uganda
Migratory birds brought the virus to other parts of the world
Video credits: Videvo
The virus is becoming increasingly common in Europe
For years it was thought that it could turn up in the Netherlands
In 2020 this became a reality
September 2020 the virus was found in a bird near Utrecht
The common whitethroat was part of a research project aimed at early detection of exotic viruses
In October 2020 the virus was discovered in the first Dutch patient
Presumably, this man was bitten by a mosquito in the Utrecht region
A vaccine for humans is still under development
Fortunately 80% of infected people do not experience symptoms
Video credits: Videvo
Around 20% of infections cause mild flu-like symptoms
Less than 1% of infections cause a serious life-threatening disease, such as meningitis
A vaccine is available for horses
Wageningen University & Research can test if an animal is infected
People and horses do not pass on the virus
Transmission goes in one direction: from mosquito to mammal
What can you do to prevent an infection?
1. Cover yourself up 2. Use mosquito repellent 3. Mosquito-proof your house 4. Do not leave (rain) water out 5. Shield horses and their barn
If you've come this far, you'll probably want to learn more...
Video credits: Videvo