West Nile virus outbreaks reported in Greece, North Macedonia, and California

West Nile virus epidemic mosquito-borne disease public health outbreak

West Nile virus outbreaks are causing significant health concerns across Europe and the United States. In Greece, the National Public Health Organization has reported 157 domestic cases and 13 deaths as of August 19, 2026. The fatalities have occurred exclusively in patients over the age of 65, with an average age of 82. Most cases in Greece involve central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

In North Macedonia, health authorities have confirmed 43 cases, with 40 being definitively confirmed. Four deaths have been recorded, primarily among elderly citizens in the Skopje region. Officials have identified 34 high-risk areas, including locations with stagnant water and organic waste, and have begun mosquito control measures, including SMS alerts and fumigation.

In the United States, California is experiencing a five-year high in West Nile virus activity. The state has reported 30 human cases and three fatalities as of mid-August 2026. Los Angeles County recently confirmed its first death of the year, involving a resident of the San Fernando Valley. Health officials attribute the surge in mosquito activity to abnormally warm weather and climate change.

Entities

Attica · Bitola · California · EODY · Fadil Cana · Greece · Institute of Public Health · Ministry of Health · Ministry of Health of North Macedonia · National Organization for Public Health · National Public Health Organization · North Macedonia

Claims

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

[DISPUTED] As of August 18, 38 cases of West Nile fever have been registered in Macedonia, with 36 confirmed and two probable. expres.mk · 360stepeni.mk · novi.ba · www.index.hr · press24.mk · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Skopsko Pole is identified as a high-risk zone due to its low elevation, stagnant water, and agricultural channels. expres.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Bitola Municipality has initiated extraordinary larvicidal and adulticidal disinfection to combat mosquito vectors. press24.mk
[● 5 SOURCES] Health Minister Sasho Klevkovski stated that detailed results regarding municipal mosquito spraying controls will be released tomorrow. expres.mk · breaking.bg
[● 10 SOURCES] Four deaths have been recorded among individuals suffering from the neuroinvasive form of West Nile fever. 360stepeni.mk · novi.ba · www.index.hr · expres.mk · breaking.bg · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The City of Skopje conducted 12 mosquito sprayings, consisting of six for adult mosquitoes and six for larvae. expres.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry has sent 6,526 SMS messages to citizens regarding mosquito protection, with over 31,000 more planned. breaking.bg
[● 8 SOURCES] 37 of the registered West Nile fever cases occurred within the Skopje region. 360stepeni.mk · expres.mk · novi.ba · www.index.hr · breaking.bg · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] All registered cases in 2026 involved patients with neuroinvasive disease. breaking.bg
[● 6 SOURCES] Of the 38 West Nile fever cases, 33 patients are over the age of 60. novi.ba · www.index.hr · breaking.bg · 360stepeni.mk
[● 8 SOURCES] Greece has recorded 47 new West Nile virus cases in the last week, bringing the seasonal total to 157 cases and 13 deaths. biznisvesti.mk · www.businessdaily.gr · www.dnews.gr · www.insider.gr · www.irafina.gr · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Five patients are currently in intensive care at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Skopje. lideri.mk