scholarly journals Blood donor screening for West Nile virus (WNV) revealed acute Usutu virus (USUV) infection, Germany, September 2016

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Cadar ◽  
Philipp Maier ◽  
Susanne Müller ◽  
Julia Kress ◽  
Michael Chudy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Blood Donor ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Usutu Virus ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Blood Donor Screening ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
The University

Between 1 June and 31 December 2016, 13,023 blood donations from the University Hospital Aachen in Germany were routinely screened for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA using the cobas TaqScreen WNV Test. On 28 September 2016, one blood donor was tested positive. Subsequent analysis revealed an acute Usutu virus (USUV) infection. During the ongoing USUV epizootics in Germany, blood transfusion services, public health authorities and clinicians should be aware of increased human USUV infections.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of human West Nile virus infections in the European Union and European Union enlargement countries, 2010 to 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna J Young ◽  
Joana M Haussig ◽  
Stephan W Aberle ◽  
Danai Pervanidou ◽  
Flavia Riccardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
European Union ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Eu Enlargement ◽  
The European Union ◽  
West Nile ◽  
European Union Enlargement ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

Background West Nile virus (WNV) circulates in an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds; humans are accidental hosts. Aim We analysed human WNV infections reported between 2010 and 2018 to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to better understand WNV epidemiology. Methods We describe probable and confirmed autochthonous human cases of WNV infection reported by European Union (EU) and EU enlargement countries. Cases with unknown clinical manifestation or with unknown place of infection at NUTS 3 or GAUL 1 level were excluded from analysis. Results From southern, eastern and western Europe, 3,849 WNV human infections and 379 deaths were reported. Most cases occurred between June and October. Two large outbreaks occurred, in 2010 (n = 391) and in 2018 (n = 1,993). The outbreak in 2018 was larger than in all previous years and the first cases were reported unusually early. The number of newly affected areas (n = 45) was higher in 2018 than in previous years suggesting wider spread of WNV. Conclusion Real-time surveillance of WNV infections is key to ensuring that clinicians and public health authorities receive early warning about the occurrence of cases and potential unusual seasonal patterns. Human cases may appear shortly after first detection of animal cases. Therefore, public health authorities should develop preparedness plans before the occurrence of human or animal WNV infections.

scholarly journals Usutu virus infections among blood donors, Austria, July and August 2017 – Raising awareness for diagnostic challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (41) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Bakonyi ◽  
Christof Jungbauer ◽  
Stephan W. Aberle ◽  
Jolanta Kolodziejek ◽  
Katharina Dimmel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Usutu Virus ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Eastern Austria

Between July and August 2017, seven of 12,047 blood donations from eastern Austria, reacted positive to West Nile virus (WNV) in the cobas test (Roche). Follow-up investigations revealed Usutu virus (USUV) nucleic acid in six of these. Retrospective analyses of four blood donors diagnosed as WNV-infected in 2016 showed one USUV positive. Blood transfusion services and public health authorities in USUV-endemic areas should be aware of a possible increase of human USUV infections.

scholarly journals West Nile virus surveillance in Europe: moving towards an integrated animal-human-vector approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Céline M Gossner ◽  
Laurence Marrama ◽  
Marianne Carson ◽  
Franz Allerberger ◽  
Paolo Calistri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

This article uses the experience of five European countries to review the integrated approaches (human, animal and vector) for surveillance and monitoring of West Nile virus (WNV) at national and European levels. The epidemiological situation of West Nile fever in Europe is heterogeneous. No model of surveillance and monitoring fits all, hence this article merely encourages countries to implement the integrated approach that meets their needs. Integration of surveillance and monitoring activities conducted by the public health authorities, the animal health authorities and the authorities in charge of vector surveillance and control should improve efficiency and save resources by implementing targeted measures. The creation of a formal interagency working group is identified as a crucial step towards integration. Blood safety is a key incentive for public health authorities to allocate sufficient resources for WNV surveillance, while the facts that an effective vaccine is available for horses and that most infected animals remain asymptomatic make the disease a lesser priority for animal health authorities. The examples described here can support other European countries wishing to strengthen their WNV surveillance or preparedness, and also serve as a model for surveillance and monitoring of other (vector-borne) zoonotic infections.

scholarly journals West Nile Virus Circulation in Mosquitoes in Greece (2010–2013)

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Patsoula ◽  
Annita Vakali ◽  
Georgios Balatsos ◽  
Danai Pervanidou ◽  
Stavroula Beleri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Regional Unit ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
The One

Background of the Study. Following a large West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic in Northern Greece in 2010, an active mosquito surveillance system was implemented, for a 3-year period (2011, 2012, and 2013).Description of the Study Site and Methodology. Using mainly CO2mosquito traps, mosquito collections were performed. Samples were pooled by date of collection, location, and species and examined for the presence of WNV.Results. Positive pools were detected in different areas of the country. In 2010, MIR and MLE values of 1.92 (95% CI: 0.00–4.57) and 2.30 (95% CI: 0.38–7.49) were calculated for the Serres Regional Unit in Central Macedonia Region. In 2011, the highest MIR value of 3.71(95% CI: 1.52–5.91) was recorded in the Regions of Central Greece and Thessaly. In 2012, MIR and MLE values for the whole country were 2.03 (95% CI: 1.73–2.33) and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.86–2.48), respectively, forCx. pipiens. In 2013, in the Regional Unit of Attica, the one outbreak epicenter, MIR and MLE values forCx. pipienswere 10.75 (95% CI: 7.52–13.99) and 15.76 (95% CI: 11.66–20.65), respectively.Significance of Results/Conclusions. The contribution of a mosquito-based surveillance system targeting WNV transmission is highlighted through the obtained data, as in most regions positive mosquito pools were detected prior to the date of symptom onset of human cases. Dissemination of the results on time to Public Health Authorities resulted in planning and application of public health interventions in local level.

scholarly journals Seasonal Phenological Patterns and Flavivirus Vectorial Capacity of Medically Important Mosquito Species in a Wetland and an Urban Area of Attica, Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Stavroula Beleri ◽  
Georgios Balatsos ◽  
Vasilios Karras ◽  
Nikolaos Tegos ◽  
Fani Sereti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Vectorial Capacity ◽  
Adult Mosquito ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
The South ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Usutu Virus

Seasonal patterns of mosquito population density and their vectorial capacity constitute major elements to understand the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. Using adult mosquito traps, we compared the population dynamics of major mosquito species (Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles spp.) in an urban and a wetland rural area of Attica Greece. Pools of the captured Cx. pipiens were analyzed to determine infection rates of the West Nile virus (WNV) and the Usutu virus (USUV). The data provided were collected under the frame of the surveillance program carried out in two regional units (RUs) of the Attica region (East Attica and South Sector of Attica), during the period 2017–2018. The entomological surveillance of adult mosquitoes was performed on a weekly basis using a network of BG-sentinel traps (BGs), baited with CO2 and BG-Lure, in selected, fixed sampling sites. A total of 46,726 adult mosquitoes were collected, with larger variety and number of species in East Attica (n = 37,810), followed by the South Sector of Attica (n = 8916). The collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species level and evaluated for their public health importance. Collected Cx. pipiens adults were pooled and tested for West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) presence by implementation of a targeted molecular methodology (real-time PCR). A total of 366 mosquito pools were analyzed for WNV and USUV, respectively, and 38 (10.4%) positive samples were recorded for WNV, while no positive pool was detected for USUV. The majority of positive samples for WNV were detected in the East Attica region, followed by the South Sector of Attica, respectively. The findings of the current study highlight the WNV circulation in the region of Attica and the concomitant risk for the country, rendering mosquito surveillance actions and integrated mosquito management programs as imperative public health interventions.

scholarly journals First serological evidence of West Nile virus among equines and birds in Kosovo, 2018-2019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agim Rexhepi ◽  
Kurtesh Sherifi ◽  
Kristaq Berxholi ◽  
Betim Xhekaj ◽  
Nesade Muja-Bajraktari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Virus Detection ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Domestic Bird ◽  
Domestic Birds ◽  
Public Health Authorities

Abstract Background: This study was conducted to survey the presence of the West Nile virus (WNV) in Kosovo by serological testing of the healthy autochthonous equine population and virus detection in birds and mosquitoes. Between January 2018 and June 2019, 260 equine serum samples, 626 mosquitoes (60 pools), 50 domestic birds and 51 wild birds were collected from different regions of Kosovo. Equine and domestic bird serum samples were tested by IgG ELISA while mosquitoes and bird viscera were tested for WNV RNA by RT-PCR. Positive ELISA samples were confirmed by Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) and eight by Virus Neutralization Test (VNT). Results: This is the first report providing evidence of WNV antibodies among animals in Kosovo. WNV antibodies were present in 27 out of 260 equine sera (10.38%) and one out of 50 samples in domestic birds by ELISA and PRNT. Eight of 27 positive equine serum samples were confirmed by VNT. No WNV RNA was detected in birds or mosquitoes.Conclusions: The occurrence of WNV antibodies in autochthonous equines from all regions of Kosovo indicates that the virus is circulating within the country. Public health authorities should therefore plan a risk assessment and disease control program.

Source and Persistence of Salmonella muenster in Naturally Contaminated Cheddar Cheese

1984 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. WOOD ◽  
D. L. COLLINS-THOMPSON ◽  
D. M. IRVINE ◽  
A. N. MYHR
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cheddar Cheese ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Holding Period ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
The University

Public health authorities in Oxford, Middlesex and Elgin Counties, Ontario, seized raw milk Cheddar cheese due to presence of Salmonella muenster. Investigations by these units and the University of Guelph traced the source of Salmonella to one particular milk supplier shipping to a cheese factory. Analysis of milk samples from a herd of 35 cattle revealed only one cow shedding S. muenster directly into the milk (ca. 200 CFU/ml). Eleven of 181 vats of cheese, produced at the factory between May and October 1982, were positive for Salmonella at the curd stage. Only 2 vats of the finished raw milk Cheddar, however, were positive. One lot of Salmonella-positive cheese was still positive after the legally required 60-d holding period and remained so for 125 d.

scholarly journals Widespread activity of multiple lineages of Usutu virus, western Europe, 2016

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Cadar ◽  
Renke Lühken ◽  
Henk van der Jeugd ◽  
Mutien Garigliany ◽  
Ute Ziegler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Usutu Virus ◽  
Dead Bird ◽  
Outbreak Area ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
And Control

In the summer of 2016, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands reported widespread Usutu virus (USUV) activity based on live and dead bird surveillance. The causative USUV strains represented four lineages, of which two putative novel lineages were most likely recently introduced into Germany and spread to other western European countries. The spatial extent of the outbreak area corresponded with R0 values > 1. The occurrence of the outbreak, the largest USUV epizootic registered so far in Europe, allowed us to gain insight in how a recently introduced arbovirus with potential public health implications can spread and become a resident pathogen in a naïve environment. Understanding the ecological and epidemiological factors that drive the emergence or re-emergence of USUV is critical to develop and implement timely surveillance strategies for adequate preventive and control measures. Public health authorities, blood transfusion services and clinicians in countries where USUV was detected should be aware of the risk of possible USUV infection in humans, including in patients with unexplained encephalitis or other neurological impairments, especially during late summer when mosquito densities peak.

scholarly journals West Nile Virus Infections Projected from Blood Donor Screening Data, United States, 2003

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Busch ◽  
David J. Wright ◽  
Brian Custer ◽  
Leslie H. Tobler ◽  
Susan L. Stramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Blood Donor ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Donor Screening ◽  
Blood Donor Screening

scholarly journals First Field Evidence On Circulation and Vertical Transmission of West Nile Virus Lineage-1a in Mosquitoes of Southern Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Biabangard Isfahani ◽  
Mohammad Saaid Dayer ◽  
Seyed Hassan Moosa Kazemi
Keyword(s):  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Southern Region ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Field Evidence ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Bandar Abbas

Abstract Background Mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of arboviruses including neuroinvasive West Nile virus. (WNV). Despite reports on seroepidemiological evidence and distribution of potential vectors of WNV in Iran, its transmission and dominant lineage(s) in mosquitoes of the Southern region has not been yet investigated. This study was conducted to inventory mosquitoes in Hormozgan province and explore them for WNV infection. Methods A total of 6785 larvae and adult mosquitoes were collected from 11 sites during 2015–2016. The mosquitoes were analyzed for WNV lineage detection by RT-PCR. Results This study revealed vertical transmission of Lineage 1a WNV in five groups including two groups of Cx. pipiens collected in winter and spring as well as three others containing Cx. sitiens, Anopheles stephensi and Cs. longiareolata collected in autumn from Bandar Abbas city. Conclusion The vertical transmission of WNV by effective vectors indicates the incursion of enzootic transmission in the region. The cross-species WNV transmission and prevalence of infected migratory birds coming from Europe and Siberia demand a comprehensive surveillance of WNV infection in hosts and vectors. However, vector-based surveillance remains the most accurate and feasible indicator to assess the impending risk of WNV in Iran. Given the serological and molecular evidences of WNV presence in humans, equines and birds in 26 provinces, the public health authorities should pay more attention to vector control measures to reduce the risk of WNV epidemics in the southern region of Iran.

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