West Nile Fever Spreads in the US and Europe... "Be Cautious When Traveling Abroad"

High Risk of Transmission Through Blood Transfusion and Breastfeeding
Must Prepare Mosquito Repellent, Mosquito Nets, Light-Colored Long Clothes, Antipyretics, and Pain Relievers

On the 26th, marking the official start of the summer vacation season, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 departure hall is bustling with crowds heading overseas. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 8th that West Nile fever, a mosquito-borne infectious disease, has occurred in the United States and Europe. West Nile fever is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes infected with the 'West Nile virus.'

According to the KDCA, 70-80% of those infected with the West Nile virus are asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash, with most recovering naturally.

However, among those infected, if the nervous system is affected, the fatality rate reaches 10%. Elderly people, those with chronic diseases, and organ transplant patients should be especially cautious. There is also a risk of transmission through blood transfusion or breastfeeding from infected individuals, so caution is necessary.

This infectious disease continues to occur in the Middle East, the United States, Eastern Europe, Africa, and West Asia. This year, the number of infections in Israel has increased since June, with 796 cases reported as of the 6th.

As of the 6th, 103 cases have been reported in 24 states including Nevada in the United States. In Europe, 27 cases were reported in countries such as Greece and Italy as of the 31st of last month.

In Korea, no additional cases have been reported since the first imported infection case in 2012. Although the mosquito vectors of West Nile fever, the red house mosquito and the underground house mosquito, inhabit Korea, no domestically infected cases have been reported yet.

If you plan to travel abroad, it is advisable to check the infectious disease occurrence information of the destination country on the 'Overseas Infectious Disease NOW' website and prepare mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, light-colored long clothing, antipyretics, and pain relievers. At accommodations, verify whether window mosquito nets are installed to prevent mosquito bites.

The KDCA urged, "If suspicious symptoms occur after traveling, visit a nearby medical institution, inform them of your overseas travel history, and receive medical treatment."