Two locally acquired human West Nile virus (WNV) infections have been reported in Italy and one in North Macedonia as of 24 June 2026, according to a monthly surveillance report published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 1 July 2026. The cases, with onset dates between 12 and 27 May, were hospitalised, and two developed neurological symptoms; no deaths have been recorded. The report, prepared jointly with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), marks the first time North Macedonia has reported a locally acquired human WNV case, in the Vardarski region.
From the veterinary side, five WNV outbreaks have been reported in Europe in 2026: one among equids in France (starting 30 March) and four among birds in Italy (start dates from 31 March to 4 May). The bird outbreaks involved hooded crows (three) and a golden eagle (one). All affected regions had previously reported WNV in birds or equids, indicating endemic circulation. The number of outbreaks is similar to the mean monthly count for the same period in previous years (2022–2025 for birds, 2016–2025 for equids).
Although no human cases had been reported by this time in 2025, EFSA and ECDC note that cases with onset in May and June were subsequently notified with a delay in prior years, so the current situation is consistent with the early phase of the seasonal pattern. The agencies expect further human cases and animal outbreaks in the coming weeks, with transmission typically peaking in August and September. They caution that reported numbers likely underestimate true infections due to asymptomatic cases and reporting delays. The report was requested by the European Commission and will be updated monthly.