West Nile virus cases rise across Greece, North Macedonia, and the Netherlands

West Nile virus epidemic public health mosquito-borne disease Europe

West Nile virus cases are rising across several European regions, with significant outbreaks reported in Greece, North Macedonia, and the Netherlands.

In Greece, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) has recorded 324 domestic cases, a new annual record surpassing the 2018 peak. The outbreak has resulted in 30 deaths, primarily among individuals over the age of 65. A significant portion of patients, approximately 217, have developed central nervous system complications such as encephalitis or meningitis.

North Macedonia is experiencing a notable surge, with 58 recorded cases and eight deaths reported as of early September 2026. Most cases are concentrated in Skopje, and the majority of those deceased are men over the age of 60. Health officials have indicated that the epidemic may be stabilizing, though political debate continues regarding the timing of preventative mosquito spraying.

In the Netherlands, the RIVM reported nine new infections since early September, bringing the total to 18 cases for the year, with three deaths recorded. Meanwhile, the ECDC reports that over 1,000 locally acquired cases have been identified across 15 European countries during the current season.

Entities

Attica · Crete · Extremadura · Extremadura Health Service · Greece · Institute of Public Health · Italy · National Public Health Organization · Netherlands · North Macedonia · SDSM · Sasho Klekovski

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] More than 1,000 locally acquired West Nile infections have been recorded across Europe this season. mondo.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] North Macedonia has recorded 58 cases and 8 deaths due to West Nile virus this year. www.kurir.rs · mondo.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] Serbia has recorded 37 West Nile virus cases between June 1 and September 6, 2026.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 20 percent of infected people develop flu-like symptoms, while 1 in 100 develop severe illness. mondo.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] The number of West Nile infections in Italy has reached 522.
[○ 1 SOURCE] 34 of the 37 recorded cases in Serbia have the neuroinvasive form of the disease.
[○ 1 SOURCE] There have been 27 deaths from West Nile virus in Italy this year.
[● 3 SOURCES] There have been 30 deaths recorded, all involving patients over the age of 65. www.rthess.gr · www.naftemporiki.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Several municipalities, including Iraklio Attikis, Nea Smyrni, and Palaio Faliro, are designated as high-risk areas. www.naftemporiki.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Attica region is experiencing particularly intense virus circulation compared to previous years. www.rthess.gr · www.naftemporiki.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Cases have been recorded in 73 municipalities and 22 regional units across Greece. www.rthess.gr · www.naftemporiki.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] 217 cases presented central nervous system manifestations, including encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. www.rthess.gr · www.naftemporiki.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · www.iatropedia.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · +1 more