West Nile virus: spread to new regions, association with poliomyelitis-like syndrome and transmission through organ donation and blood transfusion

Over the summer of 2002, the incidence of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the United States (US) increased. Viral circulation and human disease is now reported by previously unaffected US states, as well as Canada. In addition, an association with a poliomyelitis-like syndrome and new modes of transmissions have been described. This report aims to summarise the above, and to discuss the European perspective.