West Nile virus cases surge across Europe, hitting Italy and Greece hardest

West Nile virus Europe health outbreak ECDC EODY mosquito-borne disease

Europe is experiencing a significant rise in West Nile virus cases, with over 1,500 locally acquired infections reported since the spring. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Italy is the most heavily impacted nation with approximately 696 cases, followed by Greece with 355 cases. Other affected countries include Spain, France, Romania, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

In Greece, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) has recorded 396 locally acquired cases as of September 24, 2026, resulting in 36 deaths. All recorded deaths in Greece occurred in patients over the age of 60, with a median age of 83. Notably, 255 of the Greek patients experienced central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

EODY has classified 17 Greek municipalities as high-risk areas based on epidemiological and geographical factors, even in locations where no human cases have been recorded this season. In Crete, four municipalities—Rethymno, Archanes-Asterousia, Heraklion, and Hersonissos—are currently classified as either affected or high-risk. Authorities continue to urge mosquito protection measures to mitigate transmission.

Entities

Crete · Europe · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Germany · Greece · Italy · National Public Health Organization · Robert Koch Institute · Spain · West Nile virus

Claims

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

[● 3 SOURCES] Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and turn off air exchange systems during treatments. www.perugiatoday.it
[● 2 SOURCES] A dengue case has been officially reported in the municipality of San Giovanni Valdarno. www.arezzonotizie.it
[● 4 SOURCES] Disinfestation measures include adulticide and larvicide treatments targeting the Asian tiger mosquito. www.arezzonotizie.it · www.genovatoday.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Extraordinary mosquito disinfestation operations are being conducted in Prato, San Giovanni Valdarno, and San Polo di Piave.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A new case of dengue infection has been reported in the Mezzana area of Prato.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A probable dengue case was identified in a 45-year-old resident of San Polo di Piave.
[DISPUTED] The Netherlands has recorded 44 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus this year. www.world-today-news.com · sondakikakibris.com · www.turkinfo.nl · www.yenisafak.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Suffolk County, New York, has reported four human cases of West Nile virus this year.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Long Beach has reported 41 West Nile virus cases this year. mynewsla.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Daniel Clavel, a 61-year-old man from Anaheim, died after contracting West Nile virus. nypost.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Mosquitoes in Tilbury, Canada, tested positive for West Nile virus on September 15. sydenhamcurrent.ca · windsornewstoday.ca
[○ 1 SOURCE] A resident in Long Beach died after developing neuroinvasive illness from West Nile virus. mynewsla.com