WHO urges caution as West Nile virus cases surpass 240 in Europe

A new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control documents more than 240 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus across Europe since the beginning of this year’s transmission season — a development underscoring the virus’s expanding geographic reach during summer months.

Case distribution by country

According to the report released yesterday — Friday — a total of 241 cases had been officially reported as of Wednesday. Italy recorded 139 cases, Greece 61, Spain 17, North Macedonia 13, Romania six, France four, and Germany one.

WHO warning and transmission pattern

This rise follows a late-last-month alert issued by the World Health Organization urging heightened vigilance after multiple cases were detected in southern Europe. The WHO emphasized that the virus circulates primarily between mosquitoes and birds, and infected mosquitoes can transmit it to humans — especially during the peak mosquito activity period from July through September.

Public health response requirements

European health data indicate that surveillance of the virus’s spread has become an urgent priority, given the increasing number of cases reported across several countries. Authorities are now calling for strengthened monitoring and prevention measures, alongside intensified public health awareness campaigns throughout the ongoing transmission season.