The key facts

  • 1,715 locally acquired cases and 130 deaths in the EU as of 7 October — a record for the entire observation period
  • Locally acquired infections recorded in Belgium for the first time (15 cases), 59 cases in the Netherlands
  • Italy — 748 cases, Greece — 445, France — 144; disease severity remains at the level of the previous decade

A record season and a shift northward

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported on Thursday that Europe is experiencing the most intense West Nile virus season on record. The virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. As of 7 October, EU countries had reported 1,715 locally acquired human cases — a record figure — and 130 deaths. Some cases were recorded in regions where the infection had not previously occurred.

New countries and record figures

ECDC warned that recent detections of the virus in humans and animals in Belgium and the Netherlands show it is spreading further north, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The Netherlands has registered 59 human cases since the beginning of the year. Belgium has 15 cases — the first locally acquired human infections in the country's history. Italy remains the worst-affected country with 748 cases; Greece reported 445 and France 144 cases, which are record figures for both countries.

Disease severity is not increasing

Despite the rise in case numbers, disease severity is not increasing: according to ECDC, the proportion of deaths, hospitalisations and patients with neurological symptoms is comparable to the figures of the previous decade. ECDC senior expert Céline Gossner emphasised that the virus circulates between mosquitoes and birds and can cause disease in humans and horses, so an intersectoral approach is needed — no single sector can cope with the risk alone.

A call for preparedness

ECDC unit head Ole Heuer noted that incidence varies greatly from year to year and is difficult to predict, but it is important to be prepared: earlier detection, increased awareness and effective mosquito control can reduce the impact of the virus as it spreads to new territories. There is no licensed vaccine for humans; treatment consists of symptom management and supportive inpatient care in severe cases. ECDC recommends that residents of affected areas use mosquito repellents, loose clothing with long sleeves, mosquito nets, bed nets or air conditioning. Particular caution is needed for elderly people and those with weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of severe illness.