West Nile virus: 21 cases in Greece as it spreads across Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported a rise in locally transmitted West Nile virus cases across several European countries, including Greece, Italy, and Spain. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the transmission season continues, with Greece reporting 21 cases so far.
Why it matters
The geographical expansion of the West Nile virus in Europe highlights the growing public health challenge posed by vector-borne diseases in changing climates.
The West Nile virus transmission season is underway in many parts of Europe, with locally transmitted cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia, according to the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).In Greece, 21 locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded from the start of the 2026 surveillance season until 22 July, the National Public Health Organisation (EODY) announced.Of these, 20 patients developed involvement of the central nervous system, such as encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis, while one case presented with mild symptoms. So far, no deaths have been recorded, and 13 patients are hospitalised.In the past week, 14 new locally acquired cases were reported. In addition, another case was identified with a complex travel history, including a stay in an endemic country abroad.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in