West Nile virus cases surge across 15 European countries

West Nile virus European health outbreak mosquito-borne diseases ECDC report epidemiological surge

The West Nile virus is spreading rapidly across Europe, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reporting 1,086 locally acquired infections across 15 countries as of September 3. This represents a sharp increase from early August, when only 241 cases were recorded in seven countries.

Italy has reported the highest number of cases at 516, followed by Greece with 284 and Spain with 88. In Greece, 24 deaths have been recorded, primarily among individuals over the age of 65, and 199 patients have developed central nervous system complications such as encephalitis or meningitis.

In Croatia, ten infections have been reported, resulting in six hospitalizations, though no deaths have occurred. In North Macedonia, the virus has been confirmed in three dead crows, signaling a risk of transmission to humans via mosquitoes.

Health experts note that while approximately 80% of infections are asymptomatic and 20% result in mild flu-like symptoms, about 1% of cases can lead to severe neurological complications. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites after the insects feed on infected wild birds.

Entities

Andalusia · Attica · Crete · Croatia · EODY · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Extremadura · Greece · Italy · National Public Health Organization · North Macedonia · Robert Koch Institute

Claims

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

[● 22 SOURCES] Infections have been recorded and investigated in 69 municipalities across 20 regional units. cretaone.gr · www.insider.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · +16 more
[● 22 SOURCES] 58 new domestic cases were diagnosed during the last week. cretaone.gr · www.insider.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · +16 more
[● 22 SOURCES] The Attica region is experiencing particularly intense virus circulation compared to previous years. cretaone.gr · www.insider.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · +16 more
[DISPUTED] A total of 290 domestic West Nile virus cases have been diagnosed in Greece since the start of the monitoring period. cretaone.gr · www.insider.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · +16 more
[DISPUTED] There have been 24 recorded deaths from the virus, all in patients over the age of 65, as of September 2. cretaone.gr · www.insider.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · +16 more
[DISPUTED] 199 of the diagnosed cases presented Central Nervous System manifestations, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. cretaone.gr · www.insider.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · +16 more
[● 22 SOURCES] The National Public Health Organization (EODY) released the latest epidemiological report. cretaone.gr · www.e-radio.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · pireas365.gr · tempo24.news · +16 more
[● 13 SOURCES] The National Public Health Organization (EODY) is monitoring the West Nile virus outbreak. www.e-radio.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · cretaone.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · www.lamiareport.gr · +8 more
[DISPUTED] 63 patients are currently hospitalized due to the virus, with 32 of them in intensive care units. athina984.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iatropedia.gr · cretaone.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · +12 more
[● 13 SOURCES] The National Public Health Organization (EODY) is reporting the West Nile virus data. www.e-radio.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · cretaone.gr · www.epirusnews.eu · www.lamiareport.gr · +8 more
[● 16 SOURCES] Of the 290 Greek cases, 199 patients presented with central nervous system manifestations such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. athina984.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iatropedia.gr · cretaone.gr · www.e-radio.gr · +11 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Extremadura has recorded 31 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in 2026. digitalextremadura.com · www.lacronicabadajoz.com