In Austriathe health authorities notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) on August 30, 2022 of the detection of virus West Nile (WN or West Nile virus) in a imperial eagle (heliacal aquila), found dead on August 17 in Apetlon, Neusiedl am Seein the land of Burgenland.
The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular biology technique (RT-PCR) at the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES IVET), Mödling National Laboratory.
The virus is transmissible to humans through the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Culexin whom it may be responsible for a flu-like syndrome or serious neurological complications.
Travel advice
Although WN virus infection is rare in travellers, to protect oneself it is advisable
- wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves, pants, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active;
- protect yourself from mosquito bites by using an insect repellent containing DEET.
Consult a doctor in case of sudden onset of flu-like symptoms accompanied by a high temperature (fever) following traveling to a risk area.
Source: World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
