Human cases of West Nile virus rise in Europe, with 141 dead in 2026, report says
EFSA and ECDC said 18 countries reported 1,855 infections and 141 deaths as the mosquito-borne virus spread into new areas.
- On Thursday, the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 1,715 locally acquired West Nile virus infections and 130 deaths across European countries since the start of 2026.
- Human cases in Europe increased by 769 since September, surpassing the 10-year average. Scientific Officer Giusi Amore stated, 'WNV has reached record levels in Europe, with the number of human cases and animal outbreaks surpassing historical records.'
- Italy remains the most affected with 748 cases, while Greece and France reported record highs of 445 and 144 respectively. Fifteen European countries also reported 511 equine outbreaks and 595 bird outbreaks.
- Belgium reported 15 cases, the first locally acquired infections ever recorded there, while detections in the Netherlands show the virus circulating further north. The ECDC emphasizes that effective mosquito control and public awareness remain essential.
- While the mosquito-borne virus transmission season is nearing its end, low-level transmission may continue in the coming weeks. The ECDC warns this northward trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Europe recorded 1,715 local cases of West Nile virus and 130 deaths as of October 7, the highest number in history.
Human cases of West Nile virus rise in Europe, with 141 dead in 2026, report says - Regional Media News
By Margaux Perrin Oct 15 (Reuters) - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said on Thursday that as of early October, 18 European countries had reported 1,855 people being infected by the West Nile virus [...]
A dangerous virus is rapidly spreading in Europe, which has already claimed 130 lives In the EU, 1,715 cases of West Nile virus have been recorded, 130 people <p>have died. Infection spreads to northern Europe through bites Mosquitoes.</p>
CDC The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported on Thursday (15) that, by the beginning of October, 18 European countries had recorded 1,855 cases of infection with the West Nile virus since the beginning of 2026, including 141 deaths. In 2026, the West Nile virus reached record levels in Europe, with the number of cases in humans and outbreaks in animals exceeding historic…
The Detroit News
WTVBHuman cases of West Nile virus rise in Europe, with 141 dead in 2026, report says
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