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West Nile virus outbreak spreads across Southeast Europe
A significant outbreak of West Nile virus is spreading across Southeast Europe, with health authorities reporting rising infection rates and fatalities. In Greece, 157 cases and 13 deaths have been recorded, with many patients suffering from central nervous system complications such as encephalitis or meningitis.
North Macedonia has also faced a severe situation, reporting 43 infections and 5 deaths, leading to an epidemic declaration in several areas near the capital. In Albania, the first confirmed case of 2026 was identified in Korçë County, involving a 72-year-old individual. Health officials in Albania are conducting epidemiological and entomological investigations to monitor mosquito activity.
Other regional reports include Hungary, which identified its first case of the year in a 66-year-old man in Budapest. Croatia has confirmed three cases, and Serbia has identified 11 infected individuals since early June. Experts note that while approximately 80 percent of those infected remain asymptomatic, the virus poses a high risk to the elderly and immunocompromised, often transmitted through the bites of infected Culex mosquitoes.
Entities
Albania · Croatia · Croatia Institute of Public Health · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Greece · Hungary · Institute of Public Health · Italy · JAMA · Korçë · Medical Association of Athens · Ministry of Health of North Macedonia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Thirteen deaths have been recorded in Greece due to West Nile virus. karvasaras.gr · www.insider.gr
- [● 5 SOURCES] West Nile virus cases have been reported in a total of 99 regions across Europe. psnews.ro · focuspress.ro
- [● 5 SOURCES] The West Nile virus has been reported in 12 European countries during the current transmission season. focuspress.ro · psnews.ro
- [● 7 SOURCES] Greece has recorded 157 West Nile virus cases, with 116 patients suffering from central nervous system complications. karvasaras.gr · www.insider.gr
- [● 5 SOURCES] Italy and Greece recorded the highest number of West Nile infections, with 311 and 157 cases respectively. psnews.ro · focuspress.ro
- [● 5 SOURCES] European health authorities are calling for strengthened surveillance and mosquito control measures due to the spread of West Nile virus. focuspress.ro · psnews.ro
- [● 5 SOURCES] Romania recorded 34 cases of West Nile virus infection between June 3 and August 20, 2026. focuspress.ro · psnews.ro
- [● 4 SOURCES] Two deaths related to West Nile virus were recorded in Romania, both involving elderly individuals with comorbidities. focuspress.ro · psnews.ro
- [● 13 SOURCES] Five deaths related to West Nile virus have been recorded in North Macedonia. jajce-online.com · panoptikum.mk · 023.hr · www.bl-portal.com · viki.mk · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Twelve European countries have reported West Nile virus cases this year. 023.hr · jajce-online.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] Between 20 and 21 patients are currently hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases. jajce-online.com · panoptikum.mk · 023.hr · www.bl-portal.com · viki.mk
- [● 13 SOURCES] North Macedonia has recorded at least 43 cases of West Nile virus infection. 023.hr · jajce-online.com · panoptikum.mk · www.bl-portal.com · viki.mk · +1 more