# West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-outbreaks-in-europe > Updated: 2026-09-10T12:49:40.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 4. West Nile virus has caused fatalities and multiple infections in parts of Europe. In the Netherlands, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has reported an increase in human infections. As of September 10, 2026, the total number of human infections has reached 18, with three deaths recorded. Since the previous update on September 3, nine new human cases have been identified. Cases have been identified across Utrecht, Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Noord-Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel. While approximately 80 percent of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, one in five may experience flu-like symptoms, and a small number can develop neurological complications. The virus is transmitted to humans via mosquito bites and cannot be spread directly from person to person, though transmission via blood is possible. One new case has also been detected in mosquitoes. Activity is also increasing among animal populations in the Netherlands. Reported cases in horses have risen to 58, and 39 birds have tested positive, with experts noting a “particularly high mortality rate among corvids.” In Flanders, Belgium, a recent infection in a horse was confirmed following a rise in equine cases. Due to high volumes, Royal GD has terminated its free monitoring program for horses in the Netherlands, meaning further diagnostic testing must be requested through paid channels. In southern Spain, health authorities continue to monitor rising cases. In Extremadura, the Servicio Extremeño de Salud has confirmed 25 cases in 2026, including one fatality. In Andalucía, the virus has caused two deaths and 54 diagnosed human cases, with a high concentration of risk noted in the province of Sevilla. Across Europe, nearly 1,100 cases have been recorded this year, resulting in at least eight deaths. In France, Santé publique France has identified 56 autochthonous cases, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. ## Claims - The total number of human West Nile virus infections in the Netherlands has reached 18. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Three people have died from the virus in 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The West Nile virus cannot be transmitted directly from person to person, though it can be spread via blood. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Approximately 80 percent of infected individuals show no symptoms. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Human infections have been identified in Gelderland, Utrecht, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, and Overijssel. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The total number of reported West Nile virus cases in horses has risen to 58. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Nine new human cases of West Nile virus have been reported since the last update on September 3. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A total of 39 birds have been reported with the virus this year. (corroborated by 2 sources) - As of September 8, 2026, Macedonia has recorded 58 cases of West Nile virus. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Eight deaths have been recorded in Macedonia due to West Nile virus. (corroborated by 2 sources) - All eight deceased patients in Macedonia were men from Skopje over the age of 60. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Students are not considered a high-risk demographic group for West Nile virus. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: West Nile virus cases rise across Europe with outbreaks in Macedonia and the Netherlands West Nile virus cases are surging across Europe, with Macedonia reporting 58 cases and 8 deaths, while Greece and the Netherlands also face significant outbreaks in humans and animals. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-cases-rise-in-the-netherlands-1 ### 2026-09-08: West Nile virus activity rises in Belgium and Netherlands West Nile virus cases are rising in Flanders, prompting health warnings, while free equine diagnostic monitoring in the Netherlands has ended due to budget exhaustion. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-activity-rises-in-belgium-and-netherlands ### 2026-09-02: West Nile virus cases rise in the Netherlands At least nine people in the Netherlands have been infected with West Nile virus this year, including one fatality in Utrecht. The virus circulates via mosquitoes and birds, affecting humans and horses. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-cases-rise-in-the-netherlands ### 2026-08-26: Utrecht reports first local West Nile virus death An individual over 80 has died in Utrecht after contracting West Nile virus locally, marking the second fatality in the Netherlands this year. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utrecht-resident-dies-from-west-nile-virus-contracted-in-the-netherlands --- Cite as: West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-outbreaks-in-europe