Health authorities have raised the alarm over a fast-growing outbreak of West Nile virus across Europe, just as millions of Brits head to popular holiday destinations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says recurring heatwaves are helping infected mosquitoes spread the virus, with cases confirmed in Greece, Italy, Spain and France.
Cases by Country
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 81 cases have been confirmed across six European countries so far this season. Italy leads with 46 infections spread across 20 provinces, followed by Greece with 21, North Macedonia with 5, Romania with 5, Spain with 3, and France with 1. Greece has seen the sharpest recent surge, with 14 of its 21 cases recorded in the past week alone.
Severe Complications and Treatment
Twenty patients have suffered serious brain or nervous system complications, and 13 remain in hospital. Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: 'West Nile virus is not a new threat, but the conditions driving its spread are changing rapidly. Warmer temperatures and longer summers are giving mosquitoes more time and territory to transmit this virus.' He added: 'Most infections are mild, but roughly one in 150 people who contract the virus will develop a severe infection affecting the central nervous system, which can be life-threatening.'
No Vaccine Available
There is no vaccine for humans and no specific treatment. Doctors can only treat symptoms, with severe cases requiring hospital care. Around 70% to 80% of people infected never develop symptoms, while others may suffer fever, headaches, muscle aches, sickness and fatigue. In rare cases, the virus can trigger meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and even death.
Transmission and Prevention
The virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds, not through person-to-person contact. The WHO says the overall risk to travellers remains low but urges anyone visiting affected areas to avoid mosquito bites. Health officials advise using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, avoiding mosquito bites at dawn and dusk, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed. The European transmission season runs from late spring until autumn, with cases usually peaking between July and September.
