West Nile virus in the USA: Florida

25 Aug 2023

Florida Health officials reported 2 cases of West Nile virus infection in Bay and Escambia counties in the week ending 19 August 2023.

All of the state of Florida is currently under a mosquito-borne illnesses advisory.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a flu-like illness and sometimes, severe disease.

Advice for Travellers

WNV is rare in travellers. There is no vaccine against West Nile virus.

When visiting areas experiencing an outbreak of West Nile virus, you should:

• practice mosquito bite avoidance measures at all times
• seek medical advice if you develop a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms with a high temperature (fever) following travel to a risk area

Note for blood donors: if you have recently travelled to an area with West Nile virus transmission you may need to wait or be tested for the virus before your blood is accepted.

• see the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service website for further details

For further information see the fitfortravel West Nile Fever page.