West Nile virus in Barbados

07 Oct 2024

The World Health Organization has reported a case of West Nile virus Bagatelle, St. Thomas. The person became unwell on 10 June 2024 and testing confirmed West Nile virus infection on 4 September 2024.

This is the first time West Nile virus has been reported in Barbados.

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

Advice for Travellers

WNV is rare in travellers. There is no vaccine against WNV.

When visiting areas affected by WNV, 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 WNV transmission, you may need to be tested for WNV before donating blood.

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

For further information see the fitfortravel West Nile Fever page.