Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium reports 3 West Nile virus cases in wild birds. Sciensano’s Dr Tinne Lernout warns humans and horses are at risk. Authorities have increased bird and mosquito monitoring since 2024.
As Nieuwsblad News reported, Belgium has reported 3 cases of West Nile virus in wild birds. Health authorities say this shows the virus is present in the local environment. They mentioned that the West Nile virus spreads mainly between birds and mosquitoes. Humans and horses can become infected, but they usually do not pass the virus on.
People get infected through the mosquito, mostly from the Culex species. Most infected people show no symptoms. Around 1 in 5 people may develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, tiredness, headaches, and body aches. Fewer may also experience stomach pain, nausea, or a skin rash. Severe illness is rare, affecting less than 1% of cases.
“It’s not unexpected that we’ve now identified the virus in birds,”
explains Dr Tinne Lernout of Sciensano.
“They are the primary host of the virus. Our house mosquito can, in turn, transmit the virus to humans or horses.”
What does the rise in West Nile virus cases mean for Belgium?
There is currently no vaccine for humans against the West Nile virus. Health experts advise people to protect themselves from mosquitoes. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and making sure doors and windows have screens. They mentioned that horses can receive a vaccine to protect them from the disease.
West Nile virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1937 and has since spread to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. In Europe, cases were rare in the 1990s, but became more frequent in the 2000s. Belgium has been tracking West Nile virus since 2010.
Doctors and veterinarians must report confirmed cases in humans and animals. Bird monitoring has been increased since 2024 to detect the virus earlier. Birds carry the virus and can pass it to mosquitoes, which can then infect humans and animals.
Experts warn that warmer weather could increase the risk. They mentioned that higher temperatures allow mosquitoes to breed faster and stay active longer, raising the chance of virus transmission. Authorities say monitoring both birds and mosquitoes is key to preventing outbreaks.
The virus is currently most common in Southern Europe, including countries like Greece and Italy. In Italy, more than 700 human cases have been confirmed this year. Health officials say this shows the virus can spread in areas with the right conditions.
