West Nile virus hits record levels in Europe with 141 deaths and 1,855 cases

Updated European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control figures circulating into 17 October 2026 showed West Nile virus had reached its highest level ever recorded in Europe. Since the start of 2026, 18 European countries had reported 1,855 human infections and 141 deaths. Within the EU/EEA alone, 1,715 cases have been logged, far above the ten-year average of 693. Italy remains the most affected country with 748 cases, followed by Greece with a national record 445 and France with 144. Fifteen countries also reported 511 West Nile outbreaks in horses and 595 in birds, pointing to intense mosquito circulation across the Mediterranean basin. Public health officials attributed the surge to a long, warm, wet summer that extended the Culex mosquito season and expanded wetland breeding habitats. Authorities urged people in affected regions to use repellent, screen windows and remove standing water, and asked blood services to extend screening of donations. Hospitals in Lombardy, Veneto and Attica reported treating clusters of neurological complications in older patients, who are at highest risk of severe disease. Scientists warned climate shifts will likely entrench West Nile as an annual threat in southern and central Europe.