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The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), a government body responsible for public health and infectious disease control, stated Thursday that the number of deaths from the mosquito-borne virus in the Netherlands has reached 12 this year, with 77 infections recorded across the country.
According to the institute, one more person has tested positive for the virus since its previous update on Oct. 29, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 77, while 12 patients have died this year after being hospitalized with symptoms.
Of the 77 cases, 45 were reported in South Holland, 14 in Utrecht, seven each in North Holland and North Brabant, and two each in Gelderland and Overijssel.
The Netherlands recorded no West Nile virus cases last year, but health authorities and researchers noted that between 2020 and 2023, an estimated 9,500 people in the country were infected, with most cases going undetected because approximately 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms.
Last week, four more horses and five birds tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of infected horses to 175 and birds to 281, while positive mosquito pools remain at 26 across Gelderland, Utrecht, North Brabant, Limburg and South Holland.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex genus. There is currently no vaccine available for humans, and health authorities recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites.
Approximately 80% of infected people show no symptoms, while around 20% develop fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, or muscle pain. The incubation period typically ranges from two to 14 days but can extend to 21 days in people with weakened immune systems.
Originally found in Africa, the virus has spread to several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
The Netherlands first detected the virus in 2020, with infections subsequently identified in mosquitoes, wild birds, horses and a small number of humans.
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