West Nile virus cases rise across Europe

West Nile virus mosquito-borne disease European health alert epidemic outbreak ECDC

West Nile virus cases are rising across several European countries, prompting health alerts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Italy has reported the highest number of infections, with 312 confirmed cases and 13 deaths since the beginning of the year. Greece follows with 157 confirmed cases and 13 deaths, noting that 116 of these cases involved the central nervous system.

In North Macedonia, health authorities have recorded at least 43 cases and 5 deaths, with many infections occurring near the capital, Skopje. Authorities in the region have declared epidemics in certain municipalities and are conducting mosquito spraying operations.

Medical experts note that while approximately 80% of infections are asymptomatic and 20% present mild flu-like symptoms, less than 1% of cases develop severe neuroinvasive disease, such as encephalitis or meningitis. There is currently no vaccine or specific medicine to treat the virus; treatment is limited to managing symptoms. Health officials emphasize that the virus is transmitted via mosquito bites and urge the public to use repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Entities

Alister Martin · California Department of Public Health · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Europe · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Greece · Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Italy · Los Angeles County Department of Public Health · Manitoba Government · Manitoba Health · National Public Health Institute

Claims

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

[DISPUTED] There have been 13 deaths recorded in 2026 among patients with West Nile virus and central nervous system manifestations. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.haniotika-nea.gr · www.medlabnews.gr
[DISPUTED] As of August 19, 2026, Greece has recorded 157 domestic cases of West Nile virus. www.eleftherostypos.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · www.haniotika-nea.gr · www.medlabnews.gr
[DISPUTED] Out of the total cases, 116 patients presented central nervous system manifestations. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.medlabnews.gr
[● 22 SOURCES] Antonis Panoutsos has been afflicted by the West Nile virus. fonimaleviziou.gr · www.flash.gr · www.eleftherostypos.gr · filathlos.gr · www.haniotika-nea.gr · +2 more
[● 22 SOURCES] Journalist Antonis Panoutsos is in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Evangelismos Hospital. fonimaleviziou.gr · www.flash.gr · www.eleftherostypos.gr · filathlos.gr · www.haniotika-nea.gr · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Professor Gikas Magorkinis stated that virus clusters in specific areas are likely linked to infected bird populations. www.eleftherostypos.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] EODY reported 47 new domestic cases of West Nile virus in the last week. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.medlabnews.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The journalist has been intubated since July 19 due to high fever.
[○ 1 SOURCE] One death related to the virus was recorded in Oristano following an infection in a person over ninety years old.
[● 3 SOURCES] In Italy, 156 West Nile virus cases have manifested in neuro-invasive forms. casertaweb.com · www.salutedomani.com · www.cremonaoggi.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Campania, 22 infections have been confirmed, with 13 cases located in the Caserta province. casertaweb.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Positive cases have been identified in horses in the municipalities of Lizzanello, Martano, and San Donato. www.corrieresalentino.it · www.lospecialegiornale.it