ECDC identifies 77 cases of arbovirus transmission in Europe via blood and breastfeeding
A scientific review by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has documented 77 probable or confirmed cases of arbovirus transmission in Europe through blood transfusions, haematopoietic stem cell transplants, or breastfeeding. The majority of cases—71—were linked to blood transfusions, with West Nile virus accounting for 47 cases, dengue fever for 26, and Zika for four. Infected donors often displayed no symptoms or early-stage infections, posing challenges for detection.
The review highlighted four cases in Greece involving West Nile virus transmission via blood transfusions, including serious illness in thalassaemia patients. These cases underscore the importance of timely communication to blood donation services when viruses circulate locally. Although Cyprus has recorded no such cases, the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes means surveillance and preventive measures remain essential to mitigate future risks.
The report emphasizes targeted surveillance, molecular testing, and prompt action during outbreaks rather than universal blood donation testing. No transmissions were found for chikungunya, Usutu, or Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, but under-recognition cannot be ruled out.
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