West Nile virus cases are increasing in Europe, the number of deaths increased in Greece and the Netherlands

Viruses seen in tropical regions have become permanent in the European continent due to global climate change. West Nile virus, which is mostly transmitted by the bite of "Culex" species mosquitoes, continues to spread.

It was reported that 26 new West Nile virus cases were detected in Greece in a week and 3 people died.

According to data from the Greek National Public Health Agency (EODY), 26 new cases of West Nile virus were detected on September 18-24. From the beginning of 2026 to September 24, the number of cases in the country increased to 396.

Since the beginning of the year, the number of people who died due to West Nile virus in the country has increased by 3 in a week, reaching 36. It was determined that those who lost their lives were between the ages of 61-92.

44 NEW CASES IN NETHERLANDS

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) also announced that the number of deaths due to West Nile virus this year increased to 5 and the total number of cases increased to 44.

In the statement made by RIVM, it was stated that West Nile virus was detected in 16 more people and 1 more person died since the last update on September 17. All of the new patients contracted the virus through the bite of an infected mosquito.

23 of the cases were seen in South Holland, 10 in Utrecht, 4 in North Holland, 4 in North Brabant, 2 in Gelderland and 1 in Overijssel. In the country, where there were no West Nile virus cases last year, the virus was detected in 88 horses and 100 birds last week.

THERE IS NO VACCINE OR DEFINITIVE TREATMENT

The virus, which was initially seen only in Africa, spread over time to many European countries, especially France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. There has been an epidemic in Germany every year since 2019.

While there is no vaccine or special treatment to protect against West Nile virus, which is mostly transmitted by the bite of "Culex" species mosquitoes, protection against mosquito bites is recommended.

It is known that the incubation period from the bite of a mosquito varies between 2 and 14 days, and this period increases to 21 days in those with weak immunity. It is stated that approximately 80 percent of people infected with the virus do not have any symptoms, and approximately 20 percent of patients experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, nausea and vomiting, headache and muscle pain.