Red Cross tests blood donors for West Nile virus after horse infection in Vilvoorde region

The Red Cross in Flanders is implementing enhanced testing for the West Nile virus among blood donors in the Vilvoorde region. This precautionary measure, instructed by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAGG), comes after a horse in the area tested positive for the virus in early August.

Donors from Vilvoorde, Zemst, Steenokkerzeel, Machelen, and Grimbergen will undergo additional screening. Jan Poté of the Red Cross Flanders stated that there is currently no cause for concern, but noted that Belgium appears to be unique in Europe for initiating such tests based on an animal infection. Other European countries reportedly only test for the virus once human cases are confirmed.

“

there is currently no reason for concern.

The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. While most human infections are asymptomatic or cause mild flu-like symptoms, a small percentage can lead to severe neurological illness, such as meningitis, particularly in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems. The virus typically circulates between mosquitoes and birds, with horses and humans acting as incidental hosts that cannot further spread the virus to other animals or people.

Poté emphasized that the Red Cross has been monitoring the virus and has already conducted nearly 11,000 tests without finding any infections. Similar testing instructions are anticipated for the Mechelen-Willebroek region, where recent infections have been detected in birds and a horse.

“

Belgium is the only European country that has to test in case of infection in a horse. All other countries only test when an infection in a human has been established.