# West Nile virus surge in North America and Europe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-surge-in-north-america > Updated: 2026-08-20T20:52:16.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 6. Public health agencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe continue to report significant West Nile virus activity. In the United States, the CDC has reported 222 human cases nationally, with concentrations in Arizona, Texas, and California. Arizona has recorded 143 cases and five deaths. In New York City, officials confirmed the first human case of 2026 involving brain swelling, while Los Angeles County reported its first death of the season due to neurological complications. In Canada, Manitoba has reported four human cases, leading to increased mosquito fogging in high-risk areas such as West St. Paul. In Georgia, activity has been detected in DeKalb and Chatham counties. European activity has expanded significantly. Italy remains heavily impacted, with the Istituto Superiore di Sanità confirming 312 cases and 13 deaths since the start of the year. Notably, 156 of these cases presented in neuro-invasive forms. The virus is circulating in 16 regions, including Lombardy and Campania, where Caserta has emerged as a regional epicenter. Greece has emerged as the second most affected country in Europe, recording 157 cases and 13 deaths, with high activity in the Attica and Thessaly regions. In Thessaly, two deaths have been documented among elderly individuals. Additionally, North Macedonia has recorded 43 cases, with 40 laboratory-confirmed. In Skopje, health officials identified the virus in a dead crow and are monitoring high-risk areas such as canals and septic tanks. ## Claims - Italy has recorded 312 West Nile virus infections and 13 deaths. (corroborated by 3 sources) - In Italy, 156 cases of West Nile virus have manifested in neuro-invasive forms. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Greece is experiencing a significant surge in West Nile virus cases compared to previous years. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Greece has recorded 157 West Nile virus cases and 13 deaths since the start of the year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Between August 12 and August 19, 47 new cases and 4 deaths were reported in Greece. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Two human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in the Salento region of Italy. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Positive cases have been identified in horses in the municipalities of Lizzanello, Martano, and San Donato. (corroborated by 2 sources) - North Macedonia has recorded 43 cases of West Nile fever, with 40 laboratory-confirmed. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The West Nile virus was confirmed in a dead crow in Skopje, North Macedonia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The ECDC reports 98 affected areas across 12 European countries, with Italy and Greece having the highest counts. (corroborated by 2 sources) - In Thessaly, 22 West Nile virus cases and two deaths of elderly individuals in Larissa and Karditsa have been recorded as of August 21. (corroborated by 2 sources) - In Campania, 22 infections have been confirmed, with 13 cases located in the Caserta province. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: West Nile virus cases surge across Europe and North America West Nile virus cases are surging globally, with high infection and death rates reported in Italy, Greece, and North Macedonia, alongside new human cases and fatalities in the US and Canada. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-city-reports-first-west-nile-virus-case-of-2026 ### 2026-08-18: West Nile virus detected in Georgia mosquitoes and human case confirmed West Nile virus activity is rising in Georgia, with seven positive mosquito traps in DeKalb County and a confirmed human case reported in Chatham County. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-detected-in-georgia-mosquitoes-and-human-case-confirmed ### 2026-08-17: New York City initiates mosquito spraying in Brooklyn due to West Nile virus New York City is conducting targeted mosquito spraying in South Brooklyn to combat rising West Nile virus activity after surveillance identified numerous virus-positive mosquito pools. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-city-initiates-mosquito-spraying-in-brooklyn-due-to-west-nile-virus ### 2026-08-15: New York health officials increase mosquito surveillance amid rising West Nile virus activity Health officials in New York report a sharp increase in West Nile virus activity in mosquito pools, prompting intensified surveillance and public health advisories to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-health-officials-increase-mosquito-surveillance-amid-rising-west-nile-virus-activity ### 2026-08-09: US mosquito populations drop amid West Nile virus concerns Mosquito populations in the Western and Midwest U.S. have dropped by up to 70% due to drought, yet experts warn of rising West Nile virus risks and high case numbers in states like Arizona. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-mosquito-populations-drop-amid-west-nile-virus-concerns ### 2026-07-30: West Nile Virus Activity Surges in US and Canada in 2026 US and Canada see a surge in West Nile virus in 2026, with record mosquito positives in Utah and Orange County, human cases in Santa Clara, Galveston and Toronto, and positive mosquito pools in Niagara and Wes​ 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-nile-virus-spreads-in-ontario-bird-and-mosquito-positives-and-first-toronto-human-case --- Cite as: West Nile virus surge in North America and Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-nile-virus-surge-in-north-america