# West Nile virus outbreak in Greece, North Macedonia, and IT > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-outbreak-in-greece > Updated: 2026-08-16T08:46:56.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2. By mid-August 2026, the West Nile virus outbreak in Greece escalated to 110 domestic infections and nine deaths. A significant portion of the infected population, 81 individuals, presented with central nervous system complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. The geographic spread expanded to 39 municipalities, encompassing the Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and Morea regions. Health experts from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) attributed the rise to environmental factors, including rainfall, bird migration, and mosquito populations. They specifically noted that the 2025-2026 winter in Attica was the second warmest in 150 years, contributing to the current trends. There are warnings that if these patterns persist, 2026 could become a particularly challenging year for the virus. In North Macedonia, health officials reported 35 confirmed cases of West Nile fever, resulting in three deaths and six individuals in critical condition. While many patients are elderly, a 25-year-old has also been hospitalized with a neuroinvasive form of the disease. Health Minister Sasho Klevkoski noted that the virus is also appearing in border areas near Greece. The Ministry of Health has increased diagnostic capacity and is implementing epidemiological tracking and mosquito control measures in affected municipalities, including parts of Skopje. The Medical Association of Athens (ISA) has criticized the effectiveness of mosquito control programs in Attica. The association has called for an immediate escalation of preventive measures, advocating for systematic larvicidal treatments and improved coordination between local authorities and public health services. The outbreak has expanded significantly in Italy, where confirmed cases surged to 226, up from 141 the previous week. This Italian surge includes 102 neuro-invasive cases and seven deaths, with the virus detected across 55 provinces in 16 regions. Authorities continue to recommend personal protection, such as using insect repellent and removing standing water, to mitigate transmission risks. ## Claims - 9 deaths have been recorded in connection with the virus. (disputed by 10 sources) - Macedonia has recorded 35 confirmed cases and three deaths from West Nile virus. (disputed by 9 sources) - As of August 12, 110 cases of West Nile virus have been recorded in Greece. (corroborated by 8 sources) - 81 of the recorded cases presented with central nervous system findings. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Cases are spread across 39 municipalities in the Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and Morea regions. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Six patients in Macedonia are currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care. (corroborated by 7 sources) - 29 individuals experienced the illness with mild symptoms. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The 2025-2026 winter in Attica was the second warmest in 150 years, potentially contributing to the virus spread. (corroborated by 6 sources) - If current trends continue, 2026 could be one of the most challenging years for West Nile virus cases. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Greece has the second-highest number of West Nile virus cases in Europe, following Italy. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Medical Association of Athens has questioned the adequacy and effectiveness of mosquito control programs in Attica. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 226 cases of West Nile virus infection in humans have been confirmed in Italy since the start of the 2026 surveillance season. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: West Nile virus cases surge across Greece, North Macedonia, and Italy West Nile virus cases are surging in Greece, North Macedonia, and Italy, with significant neurological complications and rising death tolls reported across Southern Europe. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-reports-110-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-rising-infection-concerns ### 2026-08-02: West Nile virus outbreak in Greece reaches 65 cases, 6 deaths Greece reports 65 West Nile cases (23 new this week), 54 with CNS involvement, six deaths over 65, and 20 hospitalised. Blood donations from affected areas face enhanced testing. Italy logs 84 cases, two deaths 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-cases-rise-in-greece-65-infections-and-six-deaths-reported --- Cite as: West Nile virus outbreak in Greece, North Macedonia, and IT. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-outbreak-in-greece