About Usutu

Key points

  • Usutu virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • Infection with Usutu virus can cause a mild illness with fever and rash or more severe disease with confusion, weakness, and seizures.
  • There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Usutu virus disease (Usutu).
  • You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Adult Culex species mosquito resting on an arm

Overview

Usutu virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Usutu virus has not been found in the United States. The virus is found in parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Most people infected with Usutu virus do not have symptoms. Symptoms of Usutu can include fever, rash, and yellowing of the eyes (jaundice). In some cases, severe illness can occur with high fever, tremors, and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Usutu. The best way to prevent Usutu is by preventing mosquito bites.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)