Belgian Red Cross initiates West Nile virus screening in Vilvoorde following equine case

The Belgian Red Cross has begun testing blood donors in the Vilvoorde region for West Nile virus following the detection of an infected horse in early August. This precautionary measure, mandated by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAGG), aims to prevent potential transfusion-transmitted infections. It remains uncertain if the virus has established a local transmission cycle among humans in the area.