West Nile Virus in France (Corsica/ Alpes-Maritimes)
15 Oct 2018
A human case of West Nile virus in Corsica, France has been reported. The individual visited the island on holiday, travelling there from Alpes-Maritimes on the mainland; an area where West Nile cases have been reported this year. It is not known whether the infection was transmited on Corsica or on mainland France.
In addition two horses were also reported with the virus in Upper Corsica.
Advice for Travellers
There is no vaccine against WNV.
Travellers should practice Mosquito Bite Avoidance when visiting areas experiencing an outbreak of WNV. These outbreaks will be listed on the destination pages of fitfortravel. Medical advice can be sought if symptoms develop following travel to a risk area. Note for blood donors: If you have travelled to an area with WNV in the past 4 months you may need to be tested for WNV before donating blood. All travel must be mentioned to the Blood Transfusion Service so that they can determine whether you need to be tested. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have produced a leaflet which details information about blood donation after travel:
For further information see West Nile Fever.