West Nile virus in Europe in 2020 - infections among humans and outbreaks among equids and/or birds, updated 1 October 2020

Between 25 September and 1 October 2020, EU Member States reported 14 human cases of WNV infection: Greece (7), Spain (5) and Italy (2). The province of Badajoz, Spain, reported locally-acquired human cases of WNV infection for the first time through TESSy. All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, two deaths were reported, by Greece (1) and Spain (1). No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported from EU neighbouring countries.

Since the start of the 2020 transmission season and as of 1 October 2020, EU Member States have reported 257 human cases of WNV infection and 30 deaths through TESSy: Greece (130, including 20 deaths), Spain (72, including 7 deaths), Italy (43, including 3 deaths), Germany (5), Romania (4) and Hungary (3). The province of Badajoz, Spain, and three regions in Germany reported locally-acquired human cases of WNV infection for the first time (regions of Barnim, Ostprignitz-Ruppin and Saalekreis). All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. No cases have been reported from EU-neighbouring countries.

Since the beginning of the 2020 transmission season, 134 outbreaks among equids have been reported. These outbreaks have been reported by Spain (102), Germany (16), Italy (11), France (3), Hungary (1) and Portugal (1) through ADNS. No outbreaks among birds have been reported through ADNS.