BRUSSELS – Italy currently has the highest incidence of West Nile virus among European nations, reporting 274 confirmed cases since the season began. This represents more than 80% of the total 335 infections recorded across eight EU countries. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), there have been 19 fatalities linked to the virus. Experts anticipate a rise in infections in the upcoming weeks, with a peak expected between late August and September. Notably, the virus has been detected for the first time in the provinces of Latina and Frosinone, indicating its expansion into new areas of Italy.
Globally, mosquito-borne illnesses result in over 1 million deaths and impact up to 700 million individuals each year, nearly one in ten people. The year 2024 has seen a record number of dengue cases, with over 14 million reported and nearly 12,000 related deaths, as highlighted by the World Mosquito Program on World Mosquito Day, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of these diseases and ongoing mitigation efforts.
Referring back to ECDC findings, 2025 has witnessed the highest number of West Nile cases in Europe in three years. Following Italy, the countries most affected include Greece (35 cases), Serbia (9), France (7), Romania (6), Hungary (2), Bulgaria (1), and Spain (1). This data underscores the escalating health crisis associated with mosquitoes, exacerbated by climate change, which is leading to longer summers and milder winters, thus prolonging transmission periods.
The European epidemiological landscape also indicates a rise in Chikungunya, with 27 outbreaks in 2025, resulting in 111 cases in France and 7 in Italy. “Europe is entering a new phase where mosquito-borne disease transmission becomes commonplace,” cautioned ECDC director Pamela Rendi-Wagner, while introducing new guidelines aimed at enhancing surveillance and vector management. The agency calls on citizens and health authorities to ramp up preventive measures, especially for children, the elderly, and at-risk populations. Suggested measures include using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and utilizing mosquito nets. Currently, there are no vaccines available for humans against West Nile, although new vaccines for Chikungunya are in development.
Regarding the World Mosquito Program, “dengue fever is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease globally,” explained Greg Devine, senior director of entomology. He noted that cases are on the rise, influenced by climate change, globalization, and the emergence of new viral serotypes. In response to this international crisis, sustainable solutions are being explored, with the Wolbachia method showing promise. This strategy involves releasing mosquitoes infected with a natural bacterium that can diminish their capacity to transmit viruses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. This approach has been safely tested in 14 countries, protecting nearly 13.5 million individuals. (AUGUST 20)
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