West Nile virus cases rise in Southern Europe
The World Health Organization’s European regional office warned of a growing West Nile virus outbreak in Southern Europe. Greece reported 21 confirmed cases, 14 of them in the last week, with most patients hospitalised and several developing neuroinvasive disease. Italy recorded 21 cases across 17 regions, while Spain, Romania and North Macedonia each reported two locally‑transmitted infections. Germany logged two cases. In Greece, 20 of 21 patients showed neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis; no deaths have been recorded. Local health authorities in Greece listed the affected municipalities in Attica and detailed the number of hospitalised patients. Regional health bodies, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and national agencies, urged intensified mosquito surveillance, public awareness of protective measures and prompt medical attention for symptoms like high fever, rash or neck stiffness. The risk of severe illness remains low for most people, but longer, hotter summers are extending the transmission season.