West Nile virus in Europe in 2020 - human cases compared to previous seasons, updated 20 August 2020

Between 14 and 20 August 2020, EU Member States reported 34 human cases of WNV infection: Italy (17), Greece (11) and Spain (six). One case was reported from the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy, which had not been affected in previous transmission seasons. All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, no deaths were reported. No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported from EU neighbouring countries.

Spain is currently experiencing an outbreak of WNV infection in the province of Seville. Six confirmed human cases reported through TESSy (see above) and an additional 13 probable cases are being further investigated. As these probable cases have not yet been reported through TESSy they are not included in the list of the cases in the Surveillance Atlas. Additional patients with meningo-encephalitis are currently being tested.

Since the beginning of the 2020 transmission season and as of 20 August 2020, EU Member States have reported 66 human cases of WNV infection and six deaths through The European Surveillance System (TESSy): Greece (39, including six deaths), Italy (19), Spain (six) and Romania (two). One case was reported from the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy, which had not been affected in previous transmission seasons. All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. No cases have been reported from EU neighbouring countries.