West Nile virus cases rise across Europe with Italy and Greece most affected

West Nile virus mosquito-borne disease European health alert epidemiology neurological complications

Health authorities in Europe are on high alert following a rise in West Nile virus cases. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 241 cases have been confirmed across the continent this year. Italy has reported the highest number of infections with 139 cases, followed by Greece with 61. Other reported cases include 17 in Spain, 13 in North Macedonia, 6 in Romania, 4 in France, and 1 in Germany.

In Greece, the Attica region has emerged as a major epicenter for the virus. Recent reports indicate that as of August 5, 65 domestic cases had been recorded, including six deaths. Most of the deceased were individuals over the age of 65 who suffered from central nervous system complications. Medical experts note that while approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to serious neurological conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis.

The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, which typically acquire the virus after feeding on infected birds. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available for West Nile virus, leading health organizations like the WHO to urge caution and the use of preventative measures such as insect repellents and protective clothing.

Entities

Athens Medical Association · Attica · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Greece · Italy · Medical Association of Athens · National Public Health Organization · Robert Koch Institute · Theodoros Psaltopoulos · Theodorá Psaltopoulou · West Nile virus · West Nile virus

Claims

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

[DISPUTED] Greece has reported 61 West Nile virus cases. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +15 more
[● 9 SOURCES] More than 240 people across Europe have been confirmed infected with West Nile virus this year, totaling 241 cases. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.topky.sk · +4 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Most infected people are unaware they have West Nile virus. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +3 more
[● 16 SOURCES] Severe West Nile virus infections can affect the nervous system, causing encephalitis and meningitis. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +11 more
[● 18 SOURCES] Italy has recorded 139 cases of West Nile virus, and Greece has recorded 61. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +13 more
[● 20 SOURCES] Spain has reported 17 West Nile virus cases. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +15 more
[● 18 SOURCES] The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has previously fed on an infected bird. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +13 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The WHO called for increased caution after several West Nile virus cases in southern Europe. www.tportal.hr · www.glasistre.hr · www.index.hr · libertas.mk · n1info.hr · +10 more
[● 20 SOURCES] The ECDC reported 241 confirmed West Nile virus cases in Europe this year. www.tportal.hr · libertas.mk · www.glasistre.hr · n1info.hr · nezavisen.mk · +15 more
[● 17 SOURCES] Romania has reported six cases of West Nile virus. centar.mk · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.tportal.hr · opserver.mk · prigorski.hr · +12 more
[● 18 SOURCES] North Macedonia has reported between 13 and 20 West Nile virus cases. centar.mk · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.tportal.hr · opserver.mk · prigorski.hr · +13 more
[● 17 SOURCES] Germany has reported one case of West Nile virus. centar.mk · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.tportal.hr · opserver.mk · prigorski.hr · +12 more