Europe faces a relentless advance of a deadly virus, causing widespread tremors within the continent.
West Nile Virus Spreads Across Europe, Affecting Multiple Countries
The West Nile Virus (WNV) has become a growing concern in Europe, with confirmed human cases reported in five countries: Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, and Romania. As of mid-2025, Italy is the hardest-hit country, with 89 confirmed infections and eight fatalities, particularly in the Latina province [1][2].
Italy's WNV outbreak has been spreading rapidly, with new regions reporting cases. The virus has been detected in 31 provinces across ten regions, including Apulia, Abruzzo, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia [3]. The Italian health authority ISS reported 57 new infections within one week [4].
Greece has also seen an increase in WNV cases, with ongoing cases distributed across several regional units. The country has been dealing with WNV since 2010, with expected annual recurrences [5]. Bulgaria and France reported their first human cases in 2025, indicating an expansion or re-emergence of WNV transmission zones [1].
The West Nile Virus is not directly transmissible from person to person; it is transmitted by mosquitoes. Experts advise protecting oneself from mosquitoes by using nets, sprays, and wearing long-sleeved clothing [6].
In Germany, isolated cases of the West Nile Virus have been reported since 2020. The virus has been detected in Germany since 2018, primarily in Eastern Germany. The RKI (German Robert Koch Institute) has issued a warning about the danger of the virus [7]. Since 2019, there have been mosquito-borne diseases of the West Nile Virus in humans in Germany [8].
Large-scale anti-mosquito actions are underway in some Italian regions to control the West Nile Virus. The RKI estimates a significantly higher number of unreported cases of the West Nile Virus in Germany [9].
The West Nile Virus is a dangerous virus that has been causing a significant outbreak in Latium, south of Rome, with a hotspot in the province of Latina [2]. The virus has also been reported in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, where authorities are taking measures to contain its spread.
In conclusion, the current status of the West Nile Virus in Europe is characterized by confirmed human infections in multiple countries, with Italy being the hardest-hit. The increasing number of cases and new regions reporting the virus underscore the need for vigilant surveillance and preventive measures across the continent.
References: [1] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2025). West Nile virus situation update - European Union and European Economic Area. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-virus-situation-update
[2] Italian Ministry of Health. (2025). West Nile virus. Retrieved from https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglio/rischioSanitario.jsp?lingua=english&id=462
[3] Italian Ministry of Health. (2025). West Nile virus: map of the provinces where the virus has been found. Retrieved from https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglio/rischioSanitario.jsp?lingua=english&id=462
[4] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2025). West Nile virus: Greece. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-virus-greece
[5] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2025). West Nile virus: Bulgaria. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-virus-bulgaria
[6] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2025). West Nile virus: prevention and control. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-virus-prevention-and-control
[7] Robert Koch Institute. (2025). West Nile virus. Retrieved from https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/Virologie/Arboviren/West_Nile_Virus/West_Nile_Virus_node.html
[8] Robert Koch Institute. (2025). West Nile virus: human cases in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/Virologie/Arboviren/West_Nile_Virus/West_Nile_Virus_Human_Cases_in_Germany.html
[9] Robert Koch Institute. (2025). West Nile virus: estimated number of unreported cases in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/Virologie/Arboviren/West_Nile_Virus/West_Nile_Virus_Estimated_Number_of_Unreported_Cases_in_Germany.html
Other countries affected by the West Nile Virus beyond Italy include Greece, Bulgaria, and France. The increasing number of health-and-wellness issues related to medical-conditions such as the West Nile Virus in Europe necessitates general news coverage to keep the public informed.
