West Nile virus cases rise across Greece, North Macedonia, and Spain

West Nile virus epidemic mosquito-borne disease public health crisis neuroinvasive disease

Multiple countries in Southeast Europe are experiencing a rise in West Nile virus cases. In Greece, 110 domestic infections have been recorded, resulting in nine deaths. Notably, 81 of these cases involved central nervous system complications. Health authorities in Athens have increased disinfection efforts to combat mosquito activity.

In North Macedonia, 38 cases have been reported, including 36 confirmed and two probable infections. All 38 cases have presented in a neuroinvasive form, leading to hospitalizations. Four deaths have been recorded in the country, with several patients currently in intensive care. An epidemic has been declared in several municipalities, including Kisela Voda and Gazi Baba.

Other regional reports indicate six cases in Serbia and 11 cases in the Extremadura region of Spain. Health officials across these regions are urging the public to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Entities

Athens Medical Association · Attica · Danai Pervanidu · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Gostivar · Greece · Greek National Public Health Organization · Greek Society of Infectious Diseases · Hellenic National Public Health Organization · Institute of Public Health of Macedonia · Italy · Medical Association of Athens

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] 81 of the recorded cases presented with central nervous system findings. isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.healthweb.gr · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] 29 individuals experienced the illness with mild symptoms. isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.thepressroom.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] If current trends continue, 2026 could be one of the most challenging years for West Nile virus cases. isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.thepressroom.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Greece has the second-highest number of West Nile virus cases in Europe, following Italy. www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · isthaberler.com · www.thepressroom.gr
[DISPUTED] As of August 12, 110 cases of West Nile virus have been recorded in Greece. isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.healthweb.gr · +1 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. isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.thepressroom.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] Cases are spread across 39 municipalities in the Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and Morea regions. isthaberler.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.healthweb.gr · +1 more
[● 12 SOURCES] 9 deaths have been recorded in connection with the virus. www.healthweb.gr · isthaberler.com · www.bursahakimiyet.com.tr · www.haber61.net · www.gazzetta.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] 3,620 determinations were carried out in blood donor screening between June 1 and August 9. www.diariodealmeria.es · www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es
[● 4 SOURCES] The total number of human West Nile virus cases in Andalusia has risen to 43 in 2026. www.diariodealmeria.es · www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · okdiario.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The case in Hinojos, Huelva, represents the first human case recorded in that province this year. www.diariodealmeria.es · www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · okdiario.com