West Nile virus cases surge across Europe, Italy leads with nearly 700 infections
Europe has recorded over 1,500 locally acquired West Nile virus infections, with Italy reporting the highest number at about 696 cases.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Europe has seen a sharp rise in locally transmitted West Nile virus infections, exceeding 1,500 cases. Italy accounts for the largest share with approximately 696 confirmed infections, making it the most affected country. Greece follows with 355 cases, then Spain (125), France (102), Romania (91), North Macedonia (69) and Serbia (46).
The Netherlands reported a notable cluster of 28 cases. In Italy, infections are distributed across the country, concentrating around Rome, Padua and Milan, whereas Spain's cases are limited to the southwestern region of Extremadura and the western part of Andalusia. The 2018 outbreak remains the record year with 2,083 cases, while deaths total 61, most of them in Italy and Greece.
Why it matters
Rising West Nile cases highlight growing public-health risks and the need for mosquito control across Europe.
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