West Nile virus outbreaks escalate in Greece and Spain

West Nile virus epidemic outbreak mosquito control public health crisis neuroinvasive disease

West Nile virus outbreaks are escalating in Greece and Spain. In Greece, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) has reported 232 domestic cases and 19 deaths as of August 26, 2026. A significant surge occurred recently, with 75 new cases identified in a single week. The Attica region is the primary epicenter, accounting for approximately 60% of all infections, with East Attica being particularly hard hit. Many patients, estimated at 80%, remain asymptomatic, though 165 individuals have developed serious neuroinvasive symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis.

In Spain, Andalusia has confirmed 55 human cases this year, resulting in two deaths, including an 89-year-old man. Authorities have placed 28 municipalities on alert. Meanwhile, in Extremadura, the Servicio Extremeño de Salud (SES) reported the region's first death from the virus in 2026, involving a 68-year-old woman, alongside two new confirmed cases.

Health officials in both countries are intensifying mosquito control measures, including large-scale spraying operations, to curb the spread of the virus, which is transmitted via Culex mosquitoes.

Entities

Andalusia · Attica · Charalambos Gogos · Charalampos Gogos · EODY · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Extremadura · Greece · Italy · Junta de Andalucía · Metropolitan General · Metropolitan General Hospital

Claims

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

[● 3 SOURCES] Rising temperatures and water surfaces favor the spread of the virus. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors for the virus. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The virus is established in Greece, Italy, Romania, France, and Spain. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Human infection occurs almost exclusively through mosquito bites. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Birds serve as the natural reservoir for the virus. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] West Nile virus is an RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Rare transmissions have been reported via blood transfusions and organ transplants. dailypharmanews.gr · healthmag.gr · www.newsit.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Greek health authority EODY reported 232 cases and 19 deaths in Greece. www.leinetal24.de · www.ertnews.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Austria has recorded three cases of West Nile virus. science.orf.at
[○ 1 SOURCE] Italy has reported over 400 cases of West Nile virus. science.orf.at
[● 2 SOURCES] The number of cases in Greece has increased to 61 across 13 municipalities. www.lamiareport.gr · www.ertnews.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Three infections have been identified in Austria so far this year. science.orf.at