Surveillance of West Nile virus infections in humans and animals in Europe, monthly report – data submitted up to 7 October 2026

As part of their One Health activities, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) jointly conduct surveillance of West Nile virus (WNV) infections in humans, equids and birds and assess the epidemiological situation in Europe. This surveillance informs public health and veterinary authorities and supports timely prevention and control measures, including the deferral or testing of blood donors who have potentially been exposed to the virus, in accordance with Commission Directives 2004/33/EC and 2014/110/EU.

Through this joint surveillance, ECDC and EFSA continue to monitor the WNV epidemiological situation in Europe.

Key findings

• The 2026 WNV season has affected a broader geographical area than any previous season, with numbers of human cases and animal outbreaks exceeding levels reported in previous years.
• Overall, there is no indication of increased disease severity in humans in Europe.
• Italy remains the most affected country, reporting the highest numbers of human cases and avian outbreaks.
• Greece and France reported their highest numbers of human WNV cases ever, with France also reporting a record number of equid outbreaks.
• The geographical distribution of reported WNV activity expanded in northern Europe. Human cases and animal outbreaks were detected across multiple regions in Belgium and the Netherlands, with Belgium reporting its first ever human WNV infections.

WNV activity has declined since its August–September peak, but further cases may still be reported.