West Nile virus found in CA, OH, VT, MA, OK, and NH in USA. West Nile encephalitis case recorded in Greece.

Health authorities continue to examine local mosquitoes and report isolations of the virus that causes West Nile Fever. The latest places where the virus has been found include:

• Placer County, California
• Toledo-Lucas County, Ohio
• Brandon, Vermont
• Arlington, Massachusetts
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Nashua, New Hampshire

A case of West Nile encephalitis has been recorded in the area of Karditsa, Greece. West Nile encephalitis is distinguishable from West Nile fever based on its geographic distribution, clinical features, and laboratory findings. West Nile encephalitis is currently epidemic in Greece, with 257 cases confirmed in 2010. Local authorities have launched prevention and control programs to minimize the spread of the virus.

Travellers should be aware that the West Nile virus is fairly widespread in the USA and West Nile encephalitis occurs in Greece. To avoid exposure to the virus, travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.