West Nile virus in Guadeloupe

09 Aug 2024

According to media on 7 August 2024, public health authorities in Guadeloupe have reported the first case of West Nile fever on the island. The patient is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a flu-like illness and sometimes, severe 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.