West Nile virus cases surge in Greece, Italy and North Macedonia

West Nile virus Greece Italy North Macedonia travel warning

Health authorities report a sharp increase in West Nile virus infections across Southern Europe. Greece has recorded 42 cases as of 29 July 2026, with 35 in the Attica region, and four deaths among people aged 66‑91. The Greek public‑health agency warned that the season’s peak is expected from mid‑August to early September and urged protective measures against mosquito bites. Italy has confirmed 21 infections in 17 regions, while North Macedonia announced 13 confirmed cases, three of which are in critical condition.

The World Health Organization and Germany’s Auswärtiges Amt have issued travel advisories for Italy, Greece and other Mediterranean destinations, recommending repellents and clothing to avoid mosquito exposure. In Italy, entomological surveillance detected West Nile virus lineage 2 in Culex pipiens mosquitoes captured near Mosciano Sant’Angelo. Greek authorities have launched large‑scale ULV insecticide spraying in several Attica municipalities and Eastern Macedonia‑Thrace, with special permission from the health minister. The outbreak has prompted heightened public‑health monitoring and vector‑control actions throughout the affected regions.

Entities: German Foreign Office · German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) · Germany Auswärtiges Amt · Greece · Italy · North Macedonia · Robert Koch Institute · West Nile virus · West Nile virus · World Health Organization

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 5 SOURCES] EODY recommends nationwide personal protective measures against mosquito bites, especially for older adults and immunocompromised persons. (Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY))
[● 4 SOURCES] The West Nile virus outbreak in Greece is being monitored through medical visits and confirmed case reporting. (EODY)
[● 2 SOURCES] Entomological monitoring found no increase in the population of the primary West Nile virus mosquito vector Culex pipiens in Attica compared with historic data over the past six years. (Benaki Phytopathological Institute)
[○ 1 SOURCE] ULV insecticide spraying permits cover the municipalities of Spata, Artemida, Pallini and neighbouring Eastern Attica districts, and the rice‑field areas of Central Macedonia. (Greek health ministry decree)
[● 5 SOURCES] EODY warned that West Nile cases will increase in the coming weeks, with the peak season from mid‑August to early September. (EODY warning)
[● 6 SOURCES] As of 29 July 2026 Greece recorded 42 West Nile virus infections, with 35 cases in Attica. (Greek public health data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Health Minister Irini Agapidaki granted special permission for large‑scale insecticide spraying in Attica, Eastern Macedonia‑Thrace and Central Macedonia. (Greek Health Minister)
[● 4 SOURCES] Factors such as humidity, stagnant water and bird host populations contribute to West Nile virus transmission, though the exact reasons for the focus in Attica remain unclear. (EODY)
[● 6 SOURCES] In Greece, 13 of the infected patients are hospitalized and three are in intensive care. (Greek health authority)
[● 6 SOURCES] There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile fever; care is limited to symptom relief. (Robert Koch Institute)
[● 6 SOURCES] The travel warning also covers France, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Albania, Cyprus, North Macedonia and Romania, advising seasonal mosquito‑bite precautions. (German Foreign Office)
[● 6 SOURCES] About 20 % of West Nile virus infections develop flu‑like symptoms; severe neuroinvasive disease occurs in roughly 1 % of cases, and about one in 100 infections are serious. (Robert Koch Institute)