Portugal’s General Directorate for Nutrition and Veterinary Medicine warned that West Nile Fever had been confirmed in a horse, urging vaccination and mosquito‑control measures.
Portugal Alarms: West Nile Fever
On 4 December, Portugal’s DGAV issued a brief, announcing the first confirmed case of West Nile Fever in a horse. The agency urged authorities and horse owners to vaccinate animals in affected areas and prevent mosquito bites.
What is West Nile Fever?
West Nile Fever is a disease caused by flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes. Wild birds, horses and humans act as hosts. Cases have been reported in Africa, the Americas and several European countries, including France, Greece, Spain, Romania, Hungary and Italy.
What are the symptoms?
In children, symptoms may be mild fever and malaise. Teenagers can develop high fever, red eyes, headaches and muscle pain. Older adults are at risk of severe disease, including encephalitis. Symptoms generally appear 1 to 6 days after a mosquito bite.
