West Nile Virus Spreads: 16 European Nations on Alert

West Nile virus (WNV) has emerged as a significant concern across Europe, with outbreaks reported in 16 countries as of late September 2026. The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro website has highlighted serious numbers of cases, including deaths, in six of these nations. Germany has recorded four human cases, while the Netherlands has seen 44 cases with five deaths. France has reported 117 cases, and North Macedonia has confirmed 69 cases. Kosovo and Romania have also reported cases, with Romania seeing 91 cases across 22 areas. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has identified a total of 86 affected areas within these 16 countries.

WNV is a flavivirus typically spread through mosquito bites. While most infected individuals experience no symptoms or only mild, flu-like illness, approximately one in 150 can develop severe neurological disease. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, convulsions, and coma. Serious complications like meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis can occur. Individuals who are older, have long-term health problems, or possess weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Currently, there is no specific drug or treatment for WNV infection; supportive hospital care is essential for severe cases. The most effective way to reduce infection risk is by diligently avoiding mosquito bites.