West Nile and Dengue: Italy is the most affected European country

Ours is the European country hardest hit by the West Nile epidemic: our national territory leads the sad ranking both in terms of geographical extent and health impact, recording 64 affected areas and 590 autochthonous human cases. According to the data, in the recent period the spread of the virus has accelerated.

In Europe, since the beginning of the summer season, 1,285 locally acquired Nile fever cases have been reported in 15 countries, and Italy accounts for the highest number, namely 590. Following it are Greece with 319 cases and Spain with 104. These are the data, updated to September 10, published today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Where cases are concentrated in Italy

Through the surveillance system, 161 virus-affected areas have been identified in 15 European countries. Italy is the country with the highest number, 64 areas, followed by Greece (21) and Romania (20). In Italy, cases are concentrated in Padua with 50 cases, Milan with 48, Rome with 46, Latina with 34, Turin with 30, Oristano with 25, Caserta with 22, Cremona with 21, Novara with 18, and Mantua with 17.

Italy and France also have autochthonous cases

Today the ECDC also publishes seasonal surveillance for another mosquito-borne disease, dengue. Since the start of 2026 and up to September 9, 2026, two European countries have reported autochthonous cases—meaning contracted locally and not while traveling abroad: Italy (24 cases) and France (5 cases). This week, Italy reported an additional 21 locally contracted cases, including two cases in the Lecce area and 19 in the Livorno area (both clusters were already active), while no new cases were reported in France.