Overview

As we eagerly plan our summer getaways and contemplate booking flights to new destinations, it's crucial to factor in the potential threat of infectious diseases, including West Nile Virus. This mosquito-borne illness can pose a significant risk to health in certain regions.

However, this risk can be effectively mitigated with diligent research and a comprehensive understanding of preventive measures. In this article, we’ll summarise the nuances of West Nile Virus, from its transmission to its geographical prevalence, and give you some essential strategies to minimise exposure so you can enjoy your travels safely.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans if bitten by an infected mosquito, and it cannot be spread from human to human. It is in many areas worldwide, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia. Therefore, it is crucial to check the guidelines of the specific country you travel to in case of an outbreak.¹

Infection with West Nile virus can range from a mild illness lasting only a few days to a debilitating illness that could last months. Symptoms may come suddenly and most commonly include a headache, fever, generalised weakness, muscle aches, pain, and a rash.

However, if the virus can reach and infect the brain, it can cause more severe symptoms. It can lead to meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis, which can result in death, particularly among those of older age or with underlying medical conditions. West Nile virus cases rise in the summer since warmer conditions are more favourable for mosquito breeding, increasing the spread of the disease.³

Essential tips to prevent West Nile virus

There is no vaccine for West Nile virus; therefore, prevention using protective measures is essential to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by a mosquito and potentially developing this disease. If you are travelling to an area where West Nile virus is endemic (you could use the Travel Health Pro website to check for current outbreaks), it is important to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by a mosquito, which could be carrying West Nile virus, so here are some tips to keep you safe:

Wear long sleeves and trousers

Cover as much of your skin as possible to reduce the likelihood of a mosquito coming into contact with and biting your skin.⁴ When temperatures are hotter, it may seem challenging to wear such clothing, so you could opt for lightweight fabrics such as loose cotton and linen to prevent overheating in the summer sun.

Use mosquito repellent

Insect-repellent products containing DEET can be applied to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito. However, taking care when using these products is important as they can have health risks. Clothing can also be treated with an insect repellent, such as permethrin, to enhance protection, but do not apply it directly to your skin. 

Avoid outdoor activities during hours of peak mosquito activity 

The most common type of mosquitoes, which carry West Nile virus, are most active around sunset and sunrise; therefore, stay indoors as much as possible during these times. If you must go outside during peak mosquito activity time, use extra caution to protect against mosquito bites. However, it is important to remember that they may still bite at other times of the day, so care should always be taken.⁴

Install screens on windows and doors

Installing screens onto the windows and doors in your house still allows airflow in your home; however, they prevent mosquitoes from entering since the holes in the screen are too small for the mosquitoes to enter. This is essential to avoid mosquitoes indoors, particularly in the summer when you may wish to leave windows open.⁵

Use mosquito nets while sleeping

Mosquito nets act as a barrier between you and mosquitoes when you are in bed. They typically drape over the bed so you can lie in bed without your skin in contact with the netting. Tuck the net under your mattress to create a seal and ensure mosquitoes cannot enter. These nets prevent mosquitoes from entering and keep you safe from potential bites whilst sleeping, and can be treated with insecticides to kill mosquitoes when they land on the net.⁶

Use air conditioning 

Using air conditioning if available, can be an easy way to reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes in your home since mosquitoes tend to avoid cooler environments. Alternatively, a ceiling or free-standing fan can generate airflow and deter mosquitoes from biting.⁷

Remove sources of stagnant water

Mosquitoes typically breed in still water sources; therefore, removing this water can reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area. This can include discarding water in buckets, plant pots, tyres, pools, birdbaths, tree holes, and rubbish bins. It is important to keep gutters clean and maintain swimming pools properly to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Low-lying areas, where water tends to accumulate, could also be filled in or levelled out to prevent water pooling.^8,9

Seek medical attention when necessary

Be vigilant of any symptoms you experience whilst travelling and for at least two weeks after returning home. If you experience symptoms of West Nile virus, such as fever or a rash, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for medical attention promptly so that testing can be carried out and care can be implemented.¹

Other ways to prevent West Nile virus

To control the West Nile virus, the number of mosquitoes can be reduced at the wider community and government levels through mosquito control programmes to reduce the number of mosquitoes and prevent outbreaks.

This can be achieved by municipal spraying of larvicides on ponds, which kills the mosquito larvae once hatched from eggs to prevent them from maturing into adult mosquitoes. Community involvement may include public awareness and education about the West Nile virus because personal protective measures are more effective if implemented by everybody within a community.

Special considerations should be made for elderly individuals, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, who may avoid travelling to areas where the West Nile virus is widespread. Before travelling, consult a healthcare professional who can provide personalised advice and recommendations based on individual health and the risks associated with travel to a certain area. 

FAQs

How is West Nile virus transmitted?

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes carrying the disease. It cannot be spread between humans. 

Can I be vaccinated against West Nile virus?

No, there is no current vaccine against West Nile virus; therefore, it is crucial to follow travel guidance and take the appropriate preventative measures to reduce the chance of developing West Nile virus. 

How can I protect myself from developing West Nile virus?

To protect yourself against West Nile virus, wear long-sleeved clothing, use mosquito repellent, avoid going outdoors during the day, install screens on windows and doors, use mosquito nets, and use air conditioning.

How should I use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites?

It is recommended to use a DEET repellent, as this is the most effective at preventing mosquito bites. Apply the spray to exposed skin, avoiding contact with the eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Follow specific guidelines on the product label carefully to avoid prolonged use, and wash off when it is no longer needed to prevent skin irritation. 

What steps can I take to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around my home?

Remove or drain sources of standing water, such as flowerpots, bird baths, tyres, and swimming pool covers. Keep swimming pools clean and clean gutters regularly.

What should I do if I think I have been infected with West Nile virus?

Seek medical attention promptly, describing your symptoms and informing your healthcare professional of recent travel or mosquito bites. Your healthcare professional may order tests to confirm a diagnosis, and you should follow their guidance to manage your symptoms. Avoid exposure to further mosquito bites to prevent spreading the virus to others through mosquitoes. 

Summary 

West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause diseases of varying severity, and since there is no vaccine, it is crucial to take steps to prevent contracting it. Prevention is focussed on two strategies: reducing the likelihood of being bitten and reducing the breeding of mosquitoes.

Wearing sleeve clothing, using insect repellent, avoiding being outdoors during the day, installing screens and mosquito nets, and using air conditioning can all reduce the chance that you may be bitten by a mosquito, whilst removal of stagnant water and using chemicals to kill larvae reduce the number of mosquitoes in the community. It’s important to research the destination you are travelling to and the various threats that there may be.