# West Nile virus outbreak in Europe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-outbreak-in-europe > Updated: 2026-09-23T23:01:00.000Z. Sources: 102. Developments: 3. Europe is experiencing a significant rise in West Nile virus cases during the 2026 transmission season. As of late September, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported over 1,500 locally acquired infections across the continent, surpassing totals from 2022, 2024, and 2025. Italy remains the most heavily impacted nation with approximately 696 cases, with infections spread widely around Rome, Padua, and Milan. In Greece, the situation has intensified. The National Public Health Organization (EODY) recorded 396 locally acquired cases as of September 24, resulting in 36 deaths. All recorded fatalities in Greece occurred in patients over the age of 60, with a median age of 83. Furthermore, 255 Greek patients experienced central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis or meningitis. EODY has classified 17 Greek municipalities as high-risk areas, including four in Crete: Rethymno, Archanes-Asterousia, Heraklion, and Hersonissos. Authorities continue to urge mosquito protection measures to mitigate transmission. Other significant case counts include Spain (125), France (102), Romania (91), North Macedonia (69), Serbia (46), and the Netherlands (28). Germany has also reported cases in Berlin, Leipzig, and the Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis. While current numbers exceed recent years, the historical record remains 2,083 cases in 2018. ## Claims - Greece has recorded 355 cases. (disputed by 18 sources) - The Netherlands has recorded 44 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus this year. (disputed by 4 sources) - Greece has reported 396 West Nile virus cases and 36 deaths this year. (disputed by 3 sources) - Since spring, 1,569 locally acquired West Nile virus cases have been recorded in Europe. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Italy has recorded approximately 696 cases, making it the most affected country. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Germany has recorded four cases in Berlin, Leipzig, and the Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The current number of West Nile virus cases in Europe exceeds the total counts recorded in 2025, 2024, and 2022. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted between wild birds via mosquitoes. (corroborated by 18 sources) - A total of 61 deaths have been reported as of September 3, with 49 occurring in Italy and Greece alone. (corroborated by 18 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: West Nile virus cases surge across Europe, hitting Italy and Greece hardest West Nile virus cases exceed 1,500 in Europe, with Italy and Greece most affected. Greece reports 396 cases and 36 deaths, leading EODY to designate 17 municipalities as high-risk areas. 65 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-cases-rise-across-europe-with-italy-most-affected ### 2026-09-23: Grosseto man dies from West Nile virus complications An 89-year-old former official has died in Grosseto, Italy, from West Nile virus complications, prompting local disinfection efforts amid rising regional infection rates. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grosseto-man-dies-from-west-nile-virus-complications ### 2026-09-09: West Nile virus cases surge across Europe, led by Italy and Greece Europe has recorded 1,285 locally acquired West Nile virus cases in 2026. Italy leads with 590 cases, while Greece has reported a record 324 cases and 30 deaths. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-healthcare-advocates-call-for-improved-local-medical-services --- Cite as: West Nile virus outbreak in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-outbreak-in-europe