West Nile cases in Italy jump to 46 across 20 regions, ECDC reports, as Europe tallies 81 local infections
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has logged 46 locally acquired West Nile virus infections in Italy this year, up from the 21 confirmed by the WHO, with cases also reported in Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Spain and France.
Italian outbreak widens
Italy now counts 46 registered cases of West Nile fever across 20 regions, including the metropolitan areas of Milan and Rome, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). That is more than double the 21 confirmed infections that the World Health Organization (WHO) had cited recently. The data update covers notifications received by the ECDC through last Wednesday, 22 July 2026. Health authorities note that the summer months typically bring a marked rise in case numbers.
Europe sees 81 locally acquired infections
Across Europe, the ECDC has recorded 81 locally acquired West Nile infections so far this year, meaning the patients were bitten by infected mosquitoes within the continent rather than during travel. Beyond Italy's 46 cases, Greece reported 21, North Macedonia 5, Romania 5, Spain 3 and France 1. Germany has recorded two cases in 2026, but both were linked to foreign travel and not to local transmission, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) confirms.
- Italy
- 46
- Greece
- 21
- North Macedonia
- 5
- Romania
- 5
- Spain
- 3
- France
- 1
Transmission and symptom profile
The virus circulates mostly between mosquitoes and birds. Infected mosquitoes can pass it to humans, with the peak transmission window running from July through September. Most people who are infected do not notice it, and the RKI notes that researchers assume a high number of unreported cases. Roughly one-fifth of those infected develop flu-like symptoms, with onset 2 to 14 days after the bite. In a minority of cases, the infection can attack the nervous system, causing encephalitis or meningitis.
The risk of severe illness is low for most people.
Longer summers, longer mosquito season
The WHO Regional Office for Europe, based in Copenhagen, points out that hotter and longer summers extend the mosquito season and raise the chance of transmission. It advises people to seek immediate medical care if they develop high fever, a skin rash or a stiff neck. When travelling, the agency urges protection through clothing, anti-mosquito sprays and other measures.
German context and outlook
Germany's two imported infections illustrate the current northern boundary of the outbreak, and the RKI has not reported any autochthonous case. The ECDC figures capture a situation that is still unfolding, with the summer transmission season far from over. Health officials stress that personal protection and prompt medical attention for warning signs remain the most effective defences while surveillance continues.
