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West Nile virus cases surge across Europe and North America
West Nile virus is seeing widespread activity across Europe and North America, with significant case numbers reported in Italy, Greece, and North Macedonia. In Italy, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità has confirmed 312 cases and 13 deaths since the beginning of the year, with 156 cases presenting in neuro-invasive forms. The virus is circulating in 16 regions, including Lombardy and Campania, where Caserta has emerged as a regional epicenter.
Greece is also facing a surge, ranking as the second most affected country in Europe after Italy. The country has recorded 157 cases and 13 deaths, with high activity noted in the Attica and Thessaly regions. In Thessaly, 22 cases and two deaths among elderly individuals have been documented.
In North Macedonia, 43 cases have been recorded, with 40 laboratory-confirmed. Health officials have identified the virus in a dead crow in Skopje and are monitoring high-risk areas such as canals and septic tanks.
In the United States, New York City has reported its first human case of the year, involving brain swelling. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County confirmed its first local death of the 2026 season. In Canada, Manitoba has reported four cases, prompting increased mosquito fogging in high-risk areas like West St. Paul.
Entities
Alister Martin · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Los Angeles County Department of Public Health · Manitoba Government · Manitoba Health · New York City Department of Health · New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene · New York City Health Department · South Carolina Department of Public Health
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One death related to the virus was recorded in Oristano following an infection in a person over ninety years old. www.linkoristano.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
- [● 3 SOURCES] Italy has recorded 312 West Nile virus infections and 13 deaths. casertaweb.com · www.salutedomani.com · www.cremonaoggi.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Two human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in the Salento region of Italy. www.corrieresalentino.it · www.lospecialegiornale.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of West Nile virus cases in the province of Oristano has reached 20. www.linkoristano.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Italy, 156 cases of West Nile virus have manifested in neuro-invasive forms. casertaweb.com · www.salutedomani.com · www.cremonaoggi.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Greece has 16 regions affected by the virus, making it the second most affected country in Europe after Italy. ygeianet.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Municipality of Veria is implementing mosquito spraying protocols in Agios Georgios, Patrida, and Kouloura. www.pliroforiodotis.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ECDC reports 98 affected areas across 12 European countries, with Italy and Greece having the highest counts. ygeianet.gr · www.gazetebirlik.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Greece is experiencing a significant surge in West Nile virus cases compared to previous years. ygeianet.gr · www.megatv.com · www.ygeiamasnews.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The West Nile virus was confirmed in a dead crow in Skopje, North Macedonia. zurnal.mk · 360stepeni.mk