West Nile virus reaches record levels in Europe with 21 cases in Cyprus

Cyprus has recorded 21 human cases of the West Nile virus and two equine outbreaks during the 2026 transmission season, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The data, updated as of November 4, 2026, positions Cyprus among 15 European countries where local transmission has occurred during a record-breaking year for the virus.

Across the European Union and the European Economic Area, 1,883 locally acquired human infections were reported, marking the highest number since surveillance began and significantly exceeding the ten-year average of 698. The virus has spread across 211 regions, with Italy reporting the highest impact with 783 cases and 60 deaths, followed by Greece with 469 cases and 53 fatalities. A total of 148 deaths have been recorded across the region.

Despite the surge in cases, the ECDC states there is no evidence that the virus has become more virulent. The case fatality rate remains at approximately 8 percent, which is lower than the ten-year average of 10 percent. Rates of hospitalization and neurological complications also remain below historical averages, suggesting that the increase is driven by wider geographical spread rather than increased severity of the disease.