WHO warns of West Nile virus surge in southern Europe as cases climb

· Health GRCITAESPROUMKDDEU
Part of European Wildfires

The World Health Organization issued an alert on Thursday over a rise in West Nile virus infections across Europe, led by Greece, where 21 autochthonous cases have been confirmed since the start of the outbreak, 14 of them in the past week alone. Twenty Greek patients developed central nervous system complications, and 13 remained hospitalised as of midweek, three in intensive care.

Italy has recorded 21 cases across 17 regions, while Spain, Romania and North Macedonia have each reported two cases. Germany has also registered two infections this year.

WHO Europe regional director Hans Henri P. Kluge said higher temperatures and longer summers are fuelling transmission and urged anyone experiencing high fever, rash or neck stiffness after a mosquito bite to seek immediate medical care.

Related stories