Abstract
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. The 2026 WNV season has affected a broader geographical area than any previous season, with the numbers of human cases and animal outbreaks exceeding those 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 on record, with France also reporting a record number of equid outbreaks. The geographical distribution of reported WNV activity has expanded in northern Europe. Human cases and animal outbreaks were detected across multiple regions in Belgium and the Netherlands, with Belgium reporting its first human WNV infections. WNV activity has declined since its August–September peak, but further cases may still be reported. ECDC and EFSA continue to monitor the WNV epidemiological situation in Europe.
Keywords: birds, equids, humans, outbreak, West Nile virus