The West Nile virus transmission season is underway across Europe, with locally transmitted cases confirmed in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania, and North Macedonia, according to the latest surveillance data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Greece Records 21 Locally Acquired West Nile Virus Cases
In Greece, the National Public Health Organisation (EODY) announced that 21 locally acquired West Nile virus infections have been recorded since the start of the surveillance season. Twenty of these patients developed central nervous system involvement, including encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. One patient presented with mild symptoms, 13 remain hospitalized, and EODY reports zero deaths so far.
During the most recent weekly reporting period, health officials logged 14 new local cases. Another separate case involved a patient with a complex travel history in an endemic country abroad, though EODY excluded this infection from the official epidemiological analysis because the exact place of exposure remains undetermined.
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Geographical Spread and Regional Impact in Attica
The vast majority of infections in Greece have surfaced in the Attica region. EODY data shows cases distributed across multiple municipalities, including six in Spata–Artemida, two in Markopoulo Mesogaias, two in Pallini, two in Agia Paraskevi, and single cases in Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni, Kropia, Lavreotiki, Nea Ionia, Chalandri, the 6th Municipal Community of Athens, and Glyfada. Outside Attica, health officials recorded single cases in the Regional Unit of Larissa and the Municipality of Palamas.
Based on geomorphological data, epidemiological patterns, and proximity to active virus circulation, EODY designated several additional municipalities as high-risk areas despite no confirmed human cases there yet. These zones include Paiania, Rafina–Pikermi, Marousi, Iraklio Attikis, and Filothei–Psychiko. According to EODY, the near-annual appearance of infections since 2010 demonstrates that the virus is now permanently established in Greece.
Italy, Spain, Romania, and North Macedonia Report Early Infections
Across the wider European region, the ECDC tracked a total of 33 locally transmitted cases across five countries and neighboring territories based on data submitted up to mid-July. Italy experienced the widest geographic spread, recording 20 cases across 16 different areas. Municipalities like Novara registered three cases, while Cremona and Verona reported two each. Additional Italian cases appeared in Milan, Florence, Naples, Padua, Modena, and Ferrara.
The ECDC map highlights a rapid expansion in Italy, where 11 of the 16 affected areas were added during a single weekly reporting update. Elsewhere in Europe, North Macedonia reported two cases split between the Skopje and Vardar regions. Romania logged two cases in the Argeș and Suceava regions, while Spain confirmed two cases in Alicante and Seville.
Pro Tip: Because it is impossible to predict precisely which neighborhoods will experience high mosquito activity or virus transmission, health authorities advise residents across all affected countries to use personal mosquito protection measures consistently throughout the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is West Nile virus transmitted to humans?
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?
Many infections cause mild symptoms or go unnoticed, but severe cases can involve the central nervous system, leading to conditions such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis.
Which European countries have reported locally transmitted cases?
According to the ECDC, locally acquired cases have been confirmed in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania, and North Macedonia.
Why does ECDC publish weekly updates during the summer?
Weekly updates track the fast-moving transmission season, which is heavily influenced by fluctuating weather conditions, mosquito population spikes, and bird migration patterns.
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