West Nile virus cases rise across Europe

West Nile virus mosquito-borne disease epidemic spread avian infections public health

West Nile virus cases are rising across several European regions, affecting humans, birds, and horses. In the Netherlands, the RIVM has reported 18 human infections and three deaths so far in 2026. The virus has also been detected in 58 horses and 39 birds, with a notable mortality rate among corvids.

In Belgium, the Departement Zorg confirmed five human cases in Flanders, specifically in the Vlaams-Brabant and Antwerp regions. Four of these individuals exhibited neurological symptoms. The virus was also identified in birds and horses in the same areas. Experts note that while the risk to the general public remains low, caution regarding mosquito bites is advised.

Across Europe, the situation is intensifying. Santé publique France has recorded 56 domestic cases, contributing to a total of nearly 1,100 human infections reported across the continent this year. At least eight deaths have been linked to the virus in Europe. The virus is transmitted to humans and other animals through the bites of infected common mosquitoes, which typically acquire the virus after feeding on infected birds.

Entities

Departement Zorg · Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority · Europe · NVWA · Netherlands · RIVM · Sanquin · Sanquin Research · Santé publique France

Claims

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

[● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 80 percent of infected individuals show no symptoms. www.gld.nl · dagblad070.nl · www.antaranews.com · www.viva.co.id
[● 4 SOURCES] The West Nile virus cannot be transmitted directly from person to person, though it can be spread via blood. www.gld.nl · dagblad070.nl · www.antaranews.com · www.viva.co.id
[● 2 SOURCES] A total of 39 birds have been reported with the virus this year. dagblad070.nl · www.gld.nl
[● 3 SOURCES] The total number of reported West Nile virus cases in horses has risen to 58. dagblad070.nl · www.gld.nl · www.antaranews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Nine new human cases of West Nile virus have been reported since the last update on September 3. dagblad070.nl · www.gld.nl
[● 4 SOURCES] Human infections have been identified in Gelderland, Utrecht, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, and Overijssel. www.gld.nl · dagblad070.nl · www.antaranews.com · www.viva.co.id
[● 4 SOURCES] Three people have died from the virus in 2026. dagblad070.nl · www.gld.nl · www.antaranews.com · www.viva.co.id
[● 4 SOURCES] The total number of human West Nile virus infections in the Netherlands has reached 18. dagblad070.nl · www.gld.nl · www.antaranews.com · www.viva.co.id
[● 2 SOURCES] All eight deceased patients in Macedonia were men from Skopje over the age of 60. panoptikum.mk · trn.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Italy reported the highest number of cases in Europe with 516. trn.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] 15 European countries reported a total of 1,086 locally transmitted West Nile virus cases as of September 3, 2026. trn.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] As of September 8, 2026, Macedonia has recorded 58 cases of West Nile virus. panoptikum.mk · trn.mk