ECDC - West Nile Virus in Europe and neighbouring countries - Map - 2018 - Updated dec 14

[Gert van der Hoek]

West Nile virus transmission season in Europe, 2018

In the 2018 transmission season a higher number of cases were reported compared with transmission seasons in previous years. The total number of reported autochthonous infections in 2018 (n= 2 083) exceeds, by far, the total number from the previous seven years (n= 1 832).Compared to the previous transmission season in 2017, there was a 7.2-fold increase. The highest increase compared to the previous transmission season was observed in Bulgaria (15-fold) followed by France (13.5-fold) and Italy (10.9).

......................

In 2018, the first cases in the European Union (EU) were notified by Greece in week 26 (25 June to 1 July), with the earliest disease onset on 31 May (week 22). In the EU neighbouring countries the first case was reported by Serbia with a date of onset from week 24.

The last case of this transmission season in the EU was reported by France at the end of November, with a date of onset from week 46. This represents an unusually late date of onset since in past transmission seasons in the EU/EEA and EU neighbouring countries, the latest date of onset typically occurred between weeks 39 and 42.The latest date of onset in the EU neighbouring countries this transmission season was reported by Turkey from week 39 (24 to 30 September).

The total number of reported autochthonous infections in 2018 (n= 2 083) exceeds, by far, the total number from the previous seven years (n= 1 832).Compared to the previous transmission season in 2017, there was a 7.2-fold increase. The highest increase compared to the previous transmission season was observed in Bulgaria (15-fold) followed by France (13.5-fold) and Italy (10.9).

The case fatality ratio (CFR) among the symptomatic cases in 2018 has not exceeded the CFR of the previous two years (9% in 2018 compared with 11% in 2017 and 9% in 2016). The proportion of cases with West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) among symptomatic cases is comparable to the previous two years (68% in 2018 compared with 73% in 2017 and 65% in 2016).

All mosquito-borne autochthonous human cases during the current transmission season were reported in previously affected countries. As in previous years, the virus spread to NUTS 3 areas where no human autochthonous cases had been reported before.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 7 and 13 December 2018, no new human West Nile virus infections have been reported by EU Member States.

One case was reported by EU neighbouring countries, by Turkey, with date of onset reported from week 39, 24 to 30 September 2018. This case was reported from a previously affected area. One death was reported this week in Turkey.
In the same week, no new outbreaks among equids were reported.

As no new cases with disease onset in the previous four weeks have been reported, this is the final weekly update for the 2018 transmission season.

In 2018, as of 13 December 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 503 human cases in Italy (576), Greece (311), Romania (277), Hungary (215), Croatia (53), France (27), Austria (20), Bulgaria (15), the Czech Republic (5), Slovenia (3) and Cyprus (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 580 human cases in Serbia (415), Israel (128), Turkey (23) and Kosovo* (14). To date, 181 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (47), Italy (46), Romania (43), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Turkey (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

During the 2018 transmission season, 285 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (149), Hungary (91), Greece (15), France (13), Spain (9), Austria (2), Romania (2), Germany (2), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should be deferred for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of WNV circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

As no new cases with disease onset in the previous four weeks have been reported, this is the final weekly update for this transmission season. ECDC published an end-of-season epidemiological update.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 30 November and 6 December 2018, EU Member States reported one human West Nile virus infection by Hungary. The most recent onset date reported by Hungary was from week 45, 5 to 11 November 2018.

Eighteen cases were reported by EU neighbouring countries, all by Turkey, with the most recent date of onset reported from week 38, 17 to 23 September 2018. In three areas in Turkey human cases were reported for the first time. All other human cases were reported from previously affected areas. Three deaths were reported this week in Turkey (2) and Italy (1).

In the same week, no new outbreaks among equids were reported.

In 2018, as of 6 December 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 503 human cases in Italy (576), Greece (311), Romania (277), Hungary (215), Croatia (53), France (27), Austria (20), Bulgaria (15), the Czech Republic (5), Slovenia (3) and Cyprus (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 579 human cases in Serbia (415), Israel (128), Turkey (22) and Kosovo* (14). To date, 180 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (47), Italy (46), Romania (43), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), Turkey (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

During the current transmission season, 285 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (149), Hungary (91), Greece (15), France (13), Spain (9), Austria (2), Romania (2), Germany (2), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should be deferred for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of WNV circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.
As expected at this time of the year, only very few cases are currently being reported. However, the latest date of onset was reported from week 46, 12 to 18 November, which represents an unusually late date of onset since in past transmission seasons in the EU/EEA and EU neighbouring countries, the latest date of onset typically occurred between weeks 39 and 42. ECDC will continue publishing weekly West Nile virus updates until no new cases with disease onset in the previous four weeks have been reported.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 23 and 29 November 2018, EU Member States reported 4 human West Nile virus infections by France (2) and Greece (2). The most recent onset date reported by Greece is from week 44, 29 October to 4 November, and France from week 46, 12 to 18 November.

Four cases were reported by EU neighbouring countries, all by Turkey, with the most recent date of onset reported from week 37, 10 to 16 September. All human cases were reported from previously affected areas. One death was reported by Romania this week.

In the same week, no new outbreaks among equids were reported.

In 2018, as of 29 November 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 503 human cases in Italy (577), Greece (311), Romania (277), Hungary (214), Croatia (53), France (27), Austria (20), Bulgaria (15), the Czech Republic (5), Slovenia (3) and Cyprus (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 561 human cases in Serbia (415), Israel (128), Kosovo* (14) and Turkey (4). To date, 177 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (47), Italy (45), Romania (43), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

During the current transmission season, 285 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (149), Hungary (91), Greece (15), France (13), Spain (9), Austria (2), Romania (2), Germany (2), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should be deferred for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of WNV circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

As expected at this time of the year, only very few cases are currently being reported. However, the latest date of onset was reported from week 46, 12 to 18 November, which represents an unusually late date of onset since in past transmission seasons in the EU/EEA and EU neighbouring countries, the latest date of onset typically occurred between weeks 39 and 42.
ECDC will continue publishing weekly West Nile virus updates until no new cases with disease onset in the previous four weeks have been reported.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 16 and 22 November 2018, EU Member States reported 8 human West Nile virus (WNV) infections, all reported by Italy. The most recent onset dates are from week 43 (22 to 28 October).
No cases were reported by EU neighbouring countries. All human cases were reported from previously affected areas. This week 5 deaths were reported by Italy (3) and Greece (2).

In the same week, six outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (4) and Spain (2).

In 2018, as of 15 November 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 499 human cases in Italy (577), Greece (309), Romania (277), Hungary (214), Croatia (53), France (25), Austria (20), Bulgaria (15), the Czech Republic (5), Slovenia (3) and Cyprus (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 557 human cases in Serbia (415), Israel (128) and Kosovo* (14). To date, 176 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (47), Italy (45), Romania (42), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

During the current transmission season, 285 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (149), Hungary (91), Greece (15), France (13), Spain (9), Austria (2), Romania (2), Germany (2), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 9 and 15 November 2018, EU Member States reported two human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in France (1) and Romania (1). The most recent onset dates are from week 43 (22 to 28 October).

EU neighbouring countries reported 23 cases in Israel (18) and Serbia (5).

All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.
This week no deaths were reported.

In the same week, three outbreaks among equids were reported by Austria (1), Hungary (1) and Italy (1).

In 2018, as of 15 November 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 491 human cases in Italy (569), Greece (309), Romania (277), Hungary (214), Croatia (53), France (25), Austria (20), Bulgaria (15), the Czech Republic (5), Slovenia (3) and Cyprus (1).

EU neighbouring countries reported 557 human cases in Serbia (415), Israel (128) and Kosovo* (14). To date, 171 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (45), Italy (42), Romania (42), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

During the current transmission season, 279 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (145), Hungary (91), Greece (15), France (13), Spain (7), Austria (2), Romania (2), Germany (2), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should be deferred for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of WNV circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 31 October and 8 November 2018, EU Member States reported 23 human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Italy (16), the Czech Republic (3), Greece (2), Austria (1) and Cyprus (1). The most recent onset dates are from week 43 (22 - 28 October). EU neighbouring countries reported no cases this week.

All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 3 deaths were reported, all by Greece.

In the same week, 9 outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (5), France (2), Hungary (1) and Spain (1).

In 2018, as of 8 November 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 489 human cases in Italy (569), Greece (309), Romania (276), Hungary (214), Croatia (53), France (24), Austria (20), Bulgaria (15), the Czech Republic (5), Slovenia (3), and Cyprus (1).

EU neighbouring countries reported 534 human cases in Serbia (410), Israel (110) and Kosovo* (14). To date, 171 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Greece (45), Italy (42), Romania (42), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

In September 2018, a veterinarian was diagnosed with suspected WNV infection after performing an autopsy on a deceased owl found in a wildlife park near Poing, Ebersberg, Bavaria, Germany. WNV was detected in the owl by PCR in tissue samples recovered during the autopsy.

During the current transmission season, 276 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (144), Hungary (90), Greece (15), France (13), Spain (7), Romania (2), Germany (2), Austria (1), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should be deferred for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of WNV circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update


In the past five days, between 26 and 30 October 2018, EU Member States reported 3 human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Hungary (2) and Bulgaria (1).

EU neighbouring countries reported 12 cases, all by Serbia. No deaths were reported.

All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

In the past five days, 6 outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (3), Hungary (2) and Spain (1).

In 2018, as of 30 October 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 463 human cases in Italy (550), Greece (307), Romania (276), Hungary (214), Croatia (53), France (24), Austria (19), Bulgaria (15), Slovenia (3) and the Czech Republic (2). EU neighbouring countries reported 534 human cases in Serbia (410), Israel (110) and Kosovo* (14).

To date, 170 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (44), Greece (42), Romania (42), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

In September 2018, a veterinarian was diagnosed with suspected WNV infection after performing an autopsy on a deceased owl found in a wildlife park near Poing, Ebersberg, Bavaria, Germany. WNV was detected in the owl by PCR in tissue samples recovered during the autopsy.

During the current transmission season, 267 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (139), Hungary (89), Greece (15), France (11), Spain (6), Romania (2), Germany (2), Austria (1), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should be deferred for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 19 and 25 October 2018, EU Member States reported 24 human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Croatia (8), Romania (8), Greece (5) and Bulgaria (3). EU neighbouring countries reported 24 cases by Serbia (13) and Kosovo* (11).

All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 8 deaths were reported by Romania (4), Kosovo* (2), Bulgaria (1) and Greece (1).

In the same week, 18 outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (8), France (3), Hungary (3), Spain (3) and Greece (1).

In 2018, as of 25 October 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 460 human cases in Italy (550), Greece (307), Romania (276), Hungary (212), Croatia (53), France (24), Austria (19), Bulgaria (14), Slovenia (3) and the Czech Republic (2).

EU neighbouring countries reported 522 human cases in Serbia (398), Israel (110) and Kosovo* (14).

To date, 170 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (44), Greece (42), Romania (42), Serbia (35), Kosovo* (3), Bulgaria (2), the Czech Republic (1) and Hungary (1).

In September 2018, a veterinarian was diagnosed with suspected WNV infection after performing an autopsy on a deceased owl found in a wildlife park near Poing, Ebersberg, Bavaria, Germany. WNV was detected in the owl by PCR in tissue samples recovered during the autopsy.

During the current transmission season, 261 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (136), Hungary (87), Greece (15), France (11), Romania (2), Germany (2), Spain (5), Austria (1), Slovenia (1) and Portugal (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 5 and 11 October 2018, EU Member States reported 85 human West Nile virus infections in Italy (41), Romania (12), Greece (11), France (6), Hungary (6), Bulgaria (5), Austria (3) and the Czech Republic (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 48 cases in Israel (29) and Serbia (19).

In two areas (NUTS 3 level), human cases were reported for the first time, one new area in France and one in Bulgaria. All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 12 deaths were reported by Italy (7), Romania (2), Serbia (2) and Greece (1).
In the same week, 13 outbreaks among equids were reported by Hungary (5), France (3), Italy (2), Germany (1), Greece (1) and Spain (1).
In September, a 31-year-old veterinarian was diagnosed with suspected West Nile Virus (WNV) infection after having performed necropsy of a just-deceased owl (great grey owl, Strix nebulosa) found in a wildlife park near Poing, Ebersberg, Bavaria. WNV was detected in the owl by PCR in tissue samples recovered during the necropsy. In the veterinarian, positive serological tests, with IgM antibodies (IF titre 1:80), strongly indicated WNV infection. Further tests of follow-up samples from the patient to confirm the diagnosis are pending.
Assessment: WNV infections acquired after occupational exposure by necropsy on birds (blue jay, the USA, 2002), mice (in the USA, 2002) and horses (South Africa, 2008) have been reported in literature, and are not unexpected.
In 2018 and as of 11 October 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 402 human cases in Italy (536), Greece (294), Romania (268), Hungary (203), Croatia (45), France (22), Austria (18), Bulgaria (11), Slovenia (3) and the Czech Republic (2). EU neighbouring countries reported 482 human cases in Serbia (369), Israel (110) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 154 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (43), Romania (38), Greece (35), Serbia (34), Bulgaria (1), the Czech Republic (1), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).
During the current transmission season, 235 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (122), Hungary (84), Greece (14), France (8), Romania (2), Germany (2), Austria (1), Spain (1) and Slovenia (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 5 and 11 October 2018, EU Member States reported 85 human West Nile virus infections in Italy (41), Romania (12), Greece (11), France (6), Hungary (6), Bulgaria (5), Austria (3) and the Czech Republic (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 48 cases in Israel (29) and Serbia (19).

In two areas (NUTS 3 level), human cases were reported for the first time, one new area in France and one in Bulgaria. All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 12 deaths were reported by Italy (7), Romania (2), Serbia (2) and Greece (1).

In the same week, 13 outbreaks among equids were reported by Hungary (5), France (3), Italy (2), Germany (1), Greece (1) and Spain (1).

In September, a 31-year-old veterinarian was diagnosed with suspected West Nile Virus (WNV) infection after having performed necropsy of a just-deceased owl (great grey owl, Strix nebulosa) found in a wildlife park near Poing, Ebersberg, Bavaria. WNV was detected in the owl by PCR in tissue samples recovered during the necropsy. In the veterinarian, positive serological tests, with IgM antibodies (IF titre 1:80), strongly indicated WNV infection. Further tests of follow-up samples from the patient to confirm the diagnosis are pending.
Assessment: WNV infections acquired after occupational exposure by necropsy on birds (blue jay, the USA, 2002), mice (in the USA, 2002) and horses (South Africa, 2008) have been reported in literature, and are not unexpected. It is important to note that in this case, transmission by mosquitoes can be excluded.

In 2018 and as of 11 October 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 402 human cases in Italy (536), Greece (294), Romania (268), Hungary (203), Croatia (45), France (22), Austria (18), Bulgaria (11), Slovenia (3) and the Czech Republic (2). EU neighbouring countries reported 482 human cases in Serbia (369), Israel (110) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 154 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (43), Romania (38), Greece (35), Serbia (34), Bulgaria (1), the Czech Republic (1), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).

During the current transmission season, 235 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (122), Hungary (84), Greece (14), France (8), Romania (2), Germany (2), Austria (1), Spain (1) and Slovenia (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 28 September and 4 October 2018, EU Member States reported 50 human West Nile virus infections in Greece (22), Romania (19), Hungary (7), Bulgaria (1) and the Czech Republic (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 30 cases, all in Serbia.

In three areas, human cases were reported for the first time: Bulgaria (1), the Czech Republic (1) and Serbia (1). All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 18 deaths were reported by Greece (8), Romania (6), Serbia (3) and the Czech Republic (1).

In the same week, 21 outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (13), Greece (3), France (3), Hungary (1) and Slovenia (1).

In 2018 and as of 4 October 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 317 human cases in Italy (495), Greece (283), Romania (256), Hungary (197), Croatia (45), France (16), Austria (15), Bulgaria (6), Slovenia (3) and the Czech Republic (1).
EU neighbouring countries reported 434 human cases in Serbia (350), Israel (81) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 142 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (36), Romania (36), Greece (34), Serbia (32), Bulgaria (1), the Czech Republic (1), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).

During the current transmission season, 222 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (120), Hungary (79), Greece (13), France (5), Romania (2), Austria (1), Germany (1) and Slovenia (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

West Nile fever in Europe in 2018 - human cases; updated 28 September

28 Sep 2018
Period: 21 Sep 2018 - 27 Sep 2018



Between 21 and 27 September 2018, EU Member States reported 132 human West Nile virus infections: Greece (37), Italy (42), Hungary (23), Romania (21), Croatia (8) and Bulgaria (1). The EU neighbouring countries reported 34 cases, all by Serbia.

In four areas, human cases were reported for the first time: Croatia (2), Bulgaria (1) and Serbia (1). All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 9 deaths were reported by Romania (5), Greece (2), Bulgaria (1) and Italy (1).

In 2018, as of 27 September 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 266 human cases: Italy (495), Greece (261), Romania (237), Hungary (190), Croatia (44), France (16), Austria (15), Bulgaria (5) and Slovenia (3). EU neighbouring countries reported 404 human cases: Serbia (320), Israel (81) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 124 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (36), Romania (30), Serbia (29), Greece (26), Bulgaria (1), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

During the current transmission season, 201 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (107), Hungary (78), Greece (10), France (2), Romania (2), Austria (1) and Germany (1).

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 14 and 20 September 2018, EU Member States reported 186 human West Nile virus infections: Italy (92), Greece (32), Romania (33), Hungary (12), Croatia (11), Austria (2), Slovenia (2) and Bulgaria (2). This week, no human cases were reported by EU neighbouring countries.

In six areas, human cases were reported for the first time: Croatia (2), Slovenia (2), Italy (1) and Greece (1). All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 25 deaths were reported by Italy (14), Romania (6) and Greece (5).

In the same week, 12 outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (6), Hungary (5) and Austria (1).

In 2018, as of 20 September 2018, EU Member States have reported 1 134 human cases: Italy (453), Greece (224), Romania (216), Hungary (167), Croatia (36), France (16), Austria (15), Bulgaria (4) and Slovenia (3). EU neighbouring countries reported 370 human cases: Serbia (286), Israel (81) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 115 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Italy (35), Serbia (29), Romania (25), Greece (24), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).

During the current transmission season, 175 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (98), Hungary (63), Greece (9), France (2), Romania (2) and Austria (1).

In accordance with European Commission Directive 2014/110/EU, prospective blood donors should defer for 28 days after leaving an area with evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans unless the results of an individual nucleic acid test are negative.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Situation update

Between 7 and 13 September 2018, EU Member States reported 150 human West Nile virus infections: Romania (66), Italy (34), Greece (24), Hungary (21), Austria (3) and Bulgaria (2). EU neighbouring countries reported 56 cases: Serbia (24) and Israel (32).

In four areas, human cases were reported for the first time: Romania (2), Hungary (1) and Serbia (1). All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.

This week, 19 deaths were reported by Romania (7), Greece (6), Italy (3) and Serbia (3).

In the same week, 46 outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (26), Hungary (16), France (2), Greece (1) and Romania (1).

In 2018, as of 13 September 2018, EU Member States have reported 948 human cases: Italy (361), Greece (192), Romania (183), Hungary (155), Croatia (25), France (16), Austria (13), Bulgaria (2) and Slovenia (1).

EU neighbouring countries reported 370 human cases: Serbia (286), Israel (81) and Kosovo* (3). To date, 90 deaths due to West Nile virus infection have been reported by Serbia (29), Italy (21), Greece (19), Romania (19), Hungary (1) and Kosovo* (1).


During the current transmission season, 163 outbreaks among equids have been reported by Italy (92), Hungary (58), Greece (9), France (2) and Romania (2).