West Nile virus cases in Cyprus have risen to 21 this year, up from 13 in the previous monthly count, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The figures, covering the period to 14 October 2026, show that locally acquired cases across the European Union and European Economic Area have reached a record level for this time of year.
The ECDC lists one affected area in Cyprus, although the figures may not reflect the latest updates from local authorities.
Blood safety concerns as cases increase
The rise in West Nile virus cases has renewed attention on blood safety in Cyprus, where the availability of donated blood is already a concern.
Donated blood is tested for West Nile virus, among other infections, during certain periods of the year. Screening is important because many people infected with the virus develop no symptoms.
The ECDC says the virus is transmitted mainly through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it can also spread through transfusions of infected blood.
National blood services are advised to monitor areas where local transmission occurs and assess whether donors should be tested or temporarily deferred if they may have been exposed.
Under the European blood safety framework, donors are deferred for 28 days after leaving an affected area unless an individual molecular test returns a negative result.
The measure is designed to protect people receiving transfusions. It does not mean that every donor who has visited an affected area is infected.
These precautions are particularly important for patients who depend on regular blood transfusions, as blood services must balance infection prevention with maintaining an adequate supply.
Italy and Greece record the most cases
Across 19 European countries, 1,926 locally acquired human cases had been recorded by 14 October, according to the ECDC’s latest weekly report.
Italy recorded the highest number, with 764 cases, followed by Greece with 455, France with 159, Spain with 141 and Romania with 121.
Local transmission has been reported in 222 European regions, including 14 newly affected regions in the latest week covered by the report.
The virus has also spread to northern Europe. The Netherlands and Belgium reported locally acquired human infections, with Belgium recording such cases for the first time this year.
Despite the increase in infections, the ECDC has found no indication that the disease has become more severe.
Its monthly report, based on data up to 7 October, found that 77% of reported patients had been hospitalised, while 57% had neurological symptoms. Both figures were below the averages recorded over the previous decade.
Most reported cases involved men aged 65 and over.
130 deaths reported across Europe
The ECDC’s monthly report recorded 130 deaths across 13 countries, based on data available up to 7 October.
Italy reported 56 deaths, Greece 46 and the Netherlands 10. The latest weekly report did not include an updated death toll.
The earliest symptom onset among reported patients was on 22 May in Italy, while the latest date included in the monthly report was 30 September, also in Italy.
Although mosquito activity is declining seasonally, surveillance is continuing, as additional cases may be reported in the coming weeks.
Its monthly report, based on data up to 7 October, found that 77% of reported patients had been hospitalised, while 57% had neurological symptoms. Both figures were below the averages recorded over the previous decade.
Most reported cases involved men aged 65 and over.
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