West Nile Virus Sweeps Europe: 241 Cases Reported
Italy leads with 139 infections, Greece records 61 cases, and WHO warns travelers to exercise increased caution.
Italy leads with 139 infections, Greece records 61 cases, and WHO warns travelers to exercise increased caution.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released an alarming weekly report on Friday, August 8, 2026, indicating a total of 241 cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded in Europe since the start of the transmission season. The data, current as of Wednesday, show that the hardest-hit countries are in Croatia's immediate neighborhood.
By far the highest number of cases, 139, has been confirmed in Italy. Greece follows with 61 cases, while the remaining infections are spread across southern and central Europe. Spain reported 17 cases, North Macedonia 13, Romania six, France four, and Germany one.
The World Health Organization (WHO) called for increased vigilance as early as the end of July after noting a rise in West Nile fever in southern Europe. The virus is typically transmitted between mosquitoes and birds, but infected mosquitoes can also bite humans, particularly between July and September.
According to data from Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI), most infected individuals are unaware they carry the virus. Scientists therefore assume that the actual number of infections is significantly higher than officially reported. While most cases are asymptomatic or mild, in severe cases the disease can attack the nervous system and cause serious complications such as encephalitis and meningitis.
Particularly concerning is the fact that there is neither a vaccine nor a specific treatment for the West Nile virus. Doctors can only alleviate symptoms in those affected. The WHO therefore advises travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent, especially when traveling to affected areas in Italy, Greece, and other countries with confirmed cases.
