WEST NILE VIRUS - ALARM FOR THE SAFETY OF BLOOD AND TRANSFUSIONS - CASES IN CYPRUS AT 21 - Filenews 20/10 by Marilena Panayi
The safety of blood obtained through blood donation is now at the center of attention, as the West Nile virus spreads in Europe, with cases setting a record for this time of year in the EU and EEA and Cyprus counting 21 domestic cases this year.
According to the latest weekly bulletin of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), with data up to 14 October 2026, the transmission of the virus has affected 222 geographical areas, of which 14 were added in the last week.
At the same time, the previous monthly report of the ECDC, with data up to October 7, recorded 130 deaths with the ECDC pointing out that despite the fact that the virus is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, it can also be transmitted through transfusion of infected blood, which makes it necessary to take special preventive measures.
In particular, national services are called upon to monitor the areas where domestic transmission is detected, so that they can make decisions on the control or temporary exclusion of blood donors who may have been exposed to the virus.
According to the European Blood Safety Framework for these areas, a temporary exclusion from blood donation is provided for 28 days after leaving a risk area, unless an individual molecular test with a negative result is performed.
The measure, as stated in the relevant ECDC report, aims to protect blood recipients and does not mean that every blood donor who has been found in an affected area is infected.
The importance of these measures, the report of the European Center notes, is particularly great for patients who need systematic transfusions, as ensuring sufficient amounts of blood must go hand in hand with protection against infections that can be transmitted through transfusion.
The development is of particular importance at a time when blood sufficiency is already a concern for the competent Services in Cyprus. However, it is worth mentioning that blood tests obtained through blood donation in Cyprus include, among other things, at certain times of the year and the West Nile virus. Blood tests are imperative as a large portion of the population can be a carrier of the virus without symptoms occurring.
The data for Cyprus and the rest of the countries
According to the latest weekly report of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), with data as of October 14, 2026, 1,926 domestically transmitted human cases of West Nile virus have been recorded in 19 European countries.
The highest burden is still found in Italy, with 764 cases and in Greece, with 455. France follows with 159 cases, Spain with 141 and Romania with 121.
Of particular interest is the geographical spread of the virus, as domestic transmission has now been recorded in 222 European regions, with 14 of them added to the record in the last week.
The expansion into northern Europe is also a feature of this year's transmission season, with cases recorded in the Netherlands and Belgium, which reported domestic infections in humans for the first time this year.
In terms of deaths, the previous ECDC monthly report, with data up to October 7, recorded 130 deaths in 13 countries. Of these, 56 were recorded in Italy and 46 in Greece, while the Netherlands counted 10 deaths. The latest weekly report does not include a correspondingly updated total number of deaths.
The intense circulation of the virus is also reflected in animal surveillance. According to the previous monthly record, 510 outbreaks had been detected in equines and 591 in birds, confirming the widespread presence of the virus in the environment.
Despite the increase in cases, the ECDC finds no evidence of greater severity of the disease. Based on the data of the monthly report, 77% of the reported patients required hospitalization and 57% presented neurological symptoms, percentages lower than the corresponding averages of the previous decade.
In Cyprus, the latest weekly recording brings the cases to 21 to 14 October, compared to 13 in the previous monthly report. The ECDC also records one affected geographical area.
It is clarified that the data for Cyprus may have changed in the period since the ECDC was informed by the competent authorities until today.
European surveillance continues, as, despite the seasonal decline in virus activity, additional cases may be recorded in the coming weeks.
The ECDC recommendations and the populations most at risk
The ECDC's recommendations focus on maintaining surveillance, early detection of incidents and effective control of mosquitoes carrying the virus, and warns that the circulation of West Nile virus varies significantly from year to year, making it impossible to predict the future.
In a statement accompanying the monthly report, ECDC Unit Head Ole Heuer underlines the importance of the preparedness of the relevant Services, pointing out that early detection, greater awareness and effective mosquito control can limit the impact of the spread of the virus in new areas.
Particular attention is required for older citizens, as, according to the epidemiological analysis, most recorded cases concern men aged 65 and over.
The European Centre points out, however, that differences in numbers and mortality rates between countries cannot be interpreted without taking into account different surveillance practices.
"The sensitivity of recording systems, including checks on blood donors, affects the incidents that are detected and reported."
Also of interest is the period of time during which this year's transmission of the virus lasts.
The first date of onset of symptoms among registered patients was May 22 in Italy, while the last, included in the monthly report, was September 30, also in Italy.
At the same time, surveillance is not limited to incidents involving people. The ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) combine data from humans, birds and equines to more fully monitor the circulation of the virus and support the decisions of health and veterinary authorities.
It is recalled that West Nile virus has been detected in Cyprus and in horses.
