West Nile virus outbreak spreads across Europe with rising cases in Greece and North Macedonia

West Nile virus epidemic mosquito-borne disease public health Europe

A significant outbreak of the West Nile virus is spreading across several European countries, with Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania reporting notable increases in cases and fatalities.

In Greece, health authorities have recorded 157 cases and 13 deaths as of August 19, 2026. A high number of patients, approximately 116, have presented with central nervous system complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. The outbreak is particularly concentrated in the Attica region, where authorities have initiated extensive mosquito control measures.

North Macedonia is facing a severe situation, reporting at least 43 cases and five deaths. The country currently holds the highest infection rate per million inhabitants in Europe. Health officials have declared an epidemic in several municipalities around Skopje and are conducting aerial and ground spraying to control mosquito populations.

Romania has also reported 34 cases, with two deaths recorded among elderly individuals. The virus has been identified in 12 European countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Experts attribute the surge to a combination of mild winters and increased rainfall, which created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. There is currently no specific vaccine or cure for the virus, with treatment focusing on symptom management.

Entities

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Greece · Italy · JAMA · Medical Association of Athens · National Institute of Public Health · National Public Health Organisation · North Macedonia · Romania

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 · www.alfavita.gr · www.lifo.gr · www.newsit.gr · +2 more
[● 5 SOURCES] West Nile virus cases have been reported in a total of 99 regions across Europe. psnews.ro · petel.bg · stirileprotv.ro · www.vesti.bg · focuspress.ro
[● 5 SOURCES] The West Nile virus has been reported in 12 European countries during the current transmission season. focuspress.ro · psnews.ro · petel.bg · stirileprotv.ro · www.vesti.bg
[● 7 SOURCES] Greece has recorded 157 West Nile virus cases, with 116 patients suffering from central nervous system complications. karvasaras.gr · www.insider.gr · www.alfavita.gr · www.lifo.gr · www.newsit.gr · +2 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Italy and Greece recorded the highest number of West Nile infections, with 311 and 157 cases respectively. psnews.ro · petel.bg · stirileprotv.ro · www.vesti.bg · 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 · stirileprotv.ro · petel.bg · www.vesti.bg
[● 5 SOURCES] Romania recorded 34 cases of West Nile virus infection between June 3 and August 20, 2026. focuspress.ro · petel.bg · stirileprotv.ro · www.vesti.bg · 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 · petel.bg · stirileprotv.ro
[● 12 SOURCES] Five deaths related to West Nile virus have been recorded in North Macedonia. jajce-online.com · panoptikum.mk · trn.mk · 6yka.com · www.dnevno.hr · +7 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Twelve European countries have reported West Nile virus cases this year. 023.hr · jajce-online.com · trn.mk · radiosarajevo.ba · zadarskilist.novilist.hr · +2 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Between 20 and 21 patients are currently hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases. jajce-online.com · panoptikum.mk · www.dnevno.hr · otvoreno.ba · radiosarajevo.ba · +5 more
[DISPUTED] North Macedonia has recorded at least 43 cases of West Nile virus infection. 023.hr · jajce-online.com · panoptikum.mk · trn.mk · 6yka.com · +7 more