West Nile virus spreads rapidly across Europe in 2026

West Nile virus European health crisis mosquito-borne disease ECDC epidemic

The West Nile virus is spreading rapidly across Europe in 2026, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reporting 1,569 local infections since the spring. These cases are notable because they occurred without recent travel outside of the affected countries.

Italy has been the most heavily impacted nation, recording 696 confirmed cases with infections spread widely, particularly around Rome, Padua, and Milan. Greece follows with 355 cases. Other significant clusters have been identified in Spain, France, Romania, North Macedonia, and Serbia. As of early September, 61 deaths have been attributed to the virus, with 49 of those fatalities occurring in Italy and Greece.

In Germany, four infections have been documented in Berlin, Leipzig, and the Rhein-Pfalz district. Health officials note that there is currently no vaccine available to prevent the disease, which is transmitted via mosquito bites.

Entities

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

Claims

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

[● 5 SOURCES] As of early September, 61 deaths have been reported due to the virus, with 49 occurring in Italy and Greece. www.fehmarn24.de · www.diepresse.com · www.hna.de · www.op-online.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de
[● 5 SOURCES] The ECDC reported 1,569 local West Nile virus infections in Europe since the spring of 2026. www.fehmarn24.de · www.diepresse.com · www.hna.de · www.op-online.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de
[DISPUTED] Greece has recorded 355 cases of the virus. www.fehmarn24.de · www.diepresse.com · www.hna.de · www.op-online.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Germany has reported four cases of West Nile virus, occurring in Berlin, Leipzig, and the Rhein-Pfalz district. www.fehmarn24.de · www.diepresse.com · www.hna.de · www.op-online.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de
[DISPUTED] Italy has recorded the highest number of cases with 696 confirmed infections. www.fehmarn24.de · www.diepresse.com · www.hna.de · www.op-online.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de
[● 3 SOURCES] There is currently no vaccine available for the West Nile virus. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.op-online.de