[REVISION HISTORY]

West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe and the US

Updated 20 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-15 06:04 UTC → 2026-10-26 13:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

West Nile virus has caused fatalities and multiple infections in parts of Europe and the United States. In the Netherlands, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has reported a significant rise in human infections. As of early October 2026, the yearly total in the country has reached 59 infections and ten deaths, following three new cases reported between October 1 and October 7. Officials note that the outbreak in the Netherlands appears to be declining as the mosquito season ends. However, the virus continues to affect animals; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) reported 13 new infections in horses last week, bringing the annual total to 163. Additionally, the number of infected birds has risen to 210. Zuid-Holland remains the most affected region with 23 cases, followed by Utrecht with 10. While approximately 80 percent of those infected remain asymptomatic, 20 percent experience mild, flu-like symptoms. Less than one percent develop severe neurological complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis, particularly among older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Officials have noted that for some fatalities, the virus may not be the sole cause of death, as many deceased individuals were elderly or had underlying health conditions. In response to a fatality linked to a blood transfusion, the national blood bank, Sanquin, has implemented mandatory West Nile virus screening. In Greece, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) reported 396 cases and 36 deaths year-to-date. Italy’s Veneto region has recorded 188 symptomatic cases and 11 deaths. In the United States, fatalities and infections have been reported in California and New York, alongside animal infections in Maryland. In Germany, the ~~state of Baden-Württemberg~~ Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has reported ~~its first local human~~ seven locally acquired infections in ~~the Stuttgart~~ 2026, including cases in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Berlin, Saxony, and ~~Karlsruhe regions.~~ Saxony-Anhalt.

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