Red Cross Flanders implements extra blood testing due to West Nile virus

Red Cross Flanders has implemented additional precautionary measures for blood donations following the detection of the West Nile virus in the region. Acting on the recommendation of the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, the organization began extra testing of certain blood donations on August 17, 2026, to prevent potential transmission to patients via transfusion.

The virus was recently identified in animals, including a horse in Vilvoorde and cases near Mechelen. While the Red Cross emphasizes that there is no reason for panic, the Department of Care advises residents in areas such as Vilvoorde, Grimbergen, Steenokkerzeel, Machelen, and Zemst to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using repellents.

Health officials noted that the virus is transmitted via mosquitoes and cannot be passed directly between humans. While most infections are asymptomatic, some individuals may experience fever, fatigue, or muscle pain, with rare cases leading to complications such as meningitis.