Italy Confirms 48 West Nile Virus Fatalities

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has released updated information on the spread of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in Europe. Case numbers reported so far this year are above the average for the past decade.

During 2025, 13 European countries have confirmed 989 locally acquired cases and 63 related fatalities.

Locally acquired cases have been reported by Italy (714), Greece (91), Serbia (60), France (42), Romania (36), Spain (23), Hungary (11), Croatia (4), Albania (3), North Macedonia (2), Bulgaria (1), Kosovo* (1) and Türkiye (1).

The ECDC says Italy is currently experiencing a large outbreak, including 48 fatalities, with a case fatality rate of 6.7%.

The WNV cases have mainly been reported from the Lazio region (Latina, Roma, and Frosinone), with a total of 252 cases, and the Campania region (Napoli, Caserta, Salerno, and Avellino), with a total of 124 cases.

In the United States, WNV cases have been reported in various states, including Kentucky, in 2025.

Currently, WNV vaccines are in development and unavailable in Europe and the USA.

As of October 10, 2025, the U.S. CDC has not issued a Travel Health Notice regarding Europe's WNV outbreak.