West Nile virus spreads across Europe with over 1,000 cases reported

West Nile virus European health outbreak mosquito-borne disease ECDC report neurological complications

The West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with over 1,000 confirmed cases reported in 15 countries as of early September. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted a sharp increase in infections in recent weeks. Italy has recorded the highest number of cases at 516, followed by Greece with 284 and Spain with 88.

In North Macedonia, the situation is particularly severe, with eight deaths and 56 reported cases, a figure that exceeds the total number of cases and deaths recorded between 2011 and 2025. Authorities in the region have declared an epidemic in several municipalities near Skopje and are conducting mosquito spraying operations.

Croatia has also reported ten infections, with six cases requiring hospitalization. The virus is primarily transmitted from wild birds to humans via mosquito bites. While approximately 20 percent of those infected develop flu-like symptoms, about 1 percent develop severe neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.

Entities

Croatia · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Greece · Italy · North Macedonia · Robert Koch Institute · Spain

Claims

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

[● 9 SOURCES] As of September 3, 1,086 West Nile virus cases have been recorded across 15 European countries. zajecaronline.com · www.vol.at · www.times.si · 6yka.com · www.novinky.cz · +4 more
[DISPUTED] North Macedonia has reported eight deaths and 56 cases of West Nile virus this year. athina984.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.tanea.gr
[● 9 SOURCES] The number of confirmed West Nile virus cases has increased sharply in recent weeks. zajecaronline.com · www.vol.at · 6yka.com · www.pesterlloyd.net · europske.noviny.sk · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 20 percent of infected individuals develop flu-like symptoms, and about 1 percent develop severe illness. www.vol.at · 6yka.com · zajecaronline.com
[● 3 SOURCES] A total of 144 areas across Europe have been affected by the virus. www.vol.at · www.times.si · europske.noviny.sk
[● 6 SOURCES] Croatia has reported ten West Nile virus infections this year, with six requiring hospitalization. maribor24.si · www.times.si · www.24ur.com · riportal.net.hr · siol.net · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The virus is primarily transmitted between wild birds by mosquitoes, which can then infect humans. zajecaronline.com · www.vol.at · 6yka.com · www.novinky.cz · www.rtl.be
[DISPUTED] Italy has the highest number of infections with 516 cases, followed by Greece with 284 and Spain with 88. zajecaronline.com · www.vol.at · 6yka.com · www.novinky.cz · europske.noviny.sk · +3 more