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

West Nile virus epidemic mosquito-borne disease public health crisis neurological complications

West Nile virus cases are rising across Southern Europe, with significant outbreaks reported in Greece, North Macedonia, and Italy.

In Greece, health authorities have recorded 110 domestic cases and 9 deaths as of August 12. A high proportion of these infections, 81 cases, involved central nervous system complications. The virus is currently circulating across 39 municipalities, with a heavy concentration in the Attica region. Experts warn that if current trends persist, 2026 could be a particularly challenging year for the virus.

North Macedonia has confirmed 35 cases and 3 deaths. Health officials report that 16 patients are currently receiving treatment, with six in critical condition. Notably, the virus is affecting younger populations, including a 25-year-old patient in stable condition.

In Italy, the number of confirmed cases has surged to 226, up from 141 a week prior. This includes 102 neuro-invasive cases and 7 deaths. The virus has been detected in 55 provinces across 16 regions.

Medical associations in Greece have called for an immediate escalation of mosquito control measures, criticizing current programs for being reactive rather than proactive. Authorities recommend personal protection such as using insect repellent and removing standing water to mitigate transmission risks.

Entities

Attica · Danai Pervanidu · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Greece · Hellenic National Public Health Organization · Italy · Medical Association of Athens · National Public Health Organization · North Macedonia · Sasho Klekovski · Sasho Klevkoski · World Health Organization

Claims

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

[● 8 SOURCES] 81 of the recorded cases presented with central nervous system findings. www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · +3 more
[● 6 SOURCES] 29 individuals experienced the illness with mild symptoms. www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] If current trends continue, 2026 could be one of the most challenging years for West Nile virus cases. www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Greece has the second-highest number of West Nile virus cases in Europe, following Italy. www.gazetebirlik.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · isthaberler.com · www.thepressroom.gr
[● 8 SOURCES] As of August 12, 110 cases of West Nile virus have been recorded in Greece. www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · +3 more
[● 2 SOURCES] The Medical Association of Athens has questioned the adequacy and effectiveness of mosquito control programs in Attica. www.insider.gr · www.protagon.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] The 2025-2026 winter in Attica was the second warmest in 150 years, potentially contributing to the virus spread. www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Cases are spread across 39 municipalities in the Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and Morea regions. www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · +2 more
[DISPUTED] 9 deaths have been recorded in connection with the virus. www.healthweb.gr · tvstar.gr · www.gazetebirlik.com · isthaberler.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · +5 more
[DISPUTED] Macedonia has recorded 35 confirmed cases and three deaths from West Nile virus. skopje1.mk · vocentar.com · vesti.alfa.mk · libertas.mk · tvstar.gr · +4 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Six patients in Macedonia are currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care. skopje1.mk · vocentar.com · vesti.alfa.mk · libertas.mk · nezavisen.mk · +2 more
[● 2 SOURCES] 226 cases of West Nile virus infection in humans have been confirmed in Italy since the start of the 2026 surveillance season. www.lanotiziagiornale.it · it.euronews.com