West Nile virus cases in Europe rise to 241 this season, ECDC says

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported Friday that 241 people across Europe have contracted the West Nile virus since the start of the current transmission season. According to the agency's report, the cases were recorded from the start of the season through Wednesday. Italy recorded the highest number with 139 cases, followed by Greece with 61, Spain with 17 and North Macedonia with 13. Romania reported six cases, France four and Germany one, the ECDC said. The World Health Organization called for vigilance last month following a rise in West Nile cases in southern Europe. The virus is typically transmitted between mosquitoes and birds, but infected mosquitoes can pass it to humans through bites, with most cases occurring between July and September.