West Nile Spread
Rising Temperatures Drive Widespread West Nile Virus Infections Across Italy
Anonymous
Italy is experiencing widespread West Nile virus transmission in 2026, with more than 650 confirmed human infections and dozens of deaths reported across much of the country. Researchers say rising temperatures are helping mosquitoes reproduce, survive longer and extend the transmission season into late autumn, increasing the virus’s reach into areas previously considered low risk. Most infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness, but a small share—particularly among older adults and people with underlying conditions—develop severe neurological disease. Italy’s integrated surveillance system tracks human cases, mosquitoes, animals, birds, blood donors and transplant risks, drawing interest from countries farther north as locally acquired infections emerge elsewhere in Europe. Belgian researchers visited Italy to study its preparedness model as Belgium records its first locally acquired human cases, while the Netherlands has also reported new infections and deaths.
Key Points
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Italy’s 657 confirmed infections through Sept. 15 included 345 neuro-invasive cases, 224 fever cases and 80 asymptomatic infections detected among blood donors; the death toll stood at 51.
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The virus had been detected across 82 Italian provinces in 19 regions, illustrating the breadth of its circulation during the 2026 season.
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Belgian scientist Justine Delbecque’s May 25–29 visit to Italy involved the Italian Ministry of Health, Lazio health authorities and the National Reference Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases; she said Belgium aims to adapt lessons from Italy rather than simply replicate its system.
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Italy’s 2026 infections represent roughly half of all West Nile cases reported in Europe, while experts say the country’s case numbers are broadly in line with recent seasons rather than an unprecedented spike.
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The Netherlands has reported more than two dozen West Nile cases in 2026—the country’s first such cases since 2020—along with several deaths, according to its public health institute.
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