--- title: "Italy reports over 650 West Nile virus cases amid warming climate" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/health/italy-reports-over-650-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-warming-climate" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/italy-reports-over-650-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-warming-climate" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/health/italy-reports-over-650-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-warming-climate.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/italy-reports-over-650-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-warming-climate" category: "Health" area: "European Union" published: "2026-09-19T07:45:57.129Z" source_reported: "2026-09-19T07:16:09.120Z" updated: "2026-09-19T07:45:57.129Z" trust_score: 60 critic_score: 65 hype_score: 20 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-09-19T07:45:22.435996+00:00" --- # Italy reports over 650 West Nile virus cases amid warming climate *Rising temperatures and longer warm seasons are linked to increased mosquito activity and virus transmission across Europe.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 60 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to named experts and supported by data from Italy and the Netherlands. - Craft 65 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes expert quotes, context on the virus, and details on surveillance systems. - Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The headline and reporting accurately reflect the content without undue sensationalism. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Italy has recorded more than 650 West Nile virus infections this year, making up approximately half of all cases in Europe. - Health officials and researchers link the increase in infections to rising global temperatures and longer warm seasons, which promote mosquito reproduction and extend the virus's transmission period. - The Netherlands has also reported over two dozen cases and several deaths, marking its first West Nile virus activity since 2020. - Experts cite a warming climate, loss of biodiversity, and changes in land use as factors contributing to the heightened activity of West Nile virus. Italian health authorities have documented over 650 West Nile virus infections this year, accounting for roughly half of all cases reported across Europe. This surge is occurring as warmer temperatures and extended warm seasons are observed across the continent. Antonino Bella, a researcher at Italy's National Institute of Health, stated that higher temperatures linked to climate change facilitate mosquito reproduction and prolong the transmission season, thereby increasing the likelihood of infected mosquitoes spreading the virus to humans. West Nile virus has been considered endemic in Italy since 2020, with cases typically appearing each summer and early autumn. While most infected individuals experience no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, a small percentage develop severe neurological complications, primarily older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions. This year's case numbers are consistent with recent seasons, but warmer weather can extend the transmission period into November. Additionally, areas previously unaffected by the virus are now reporting infections, indicating a gradual spread. The Netherlands has reported more than two dozen West Nile cases this year, along with several deaths, representing the first such occurrences since 2020. Marc-Alain Widdowson of the WHO Europe office noted that warming weather expands the replication period for both the virus and its mosquito vectors, allowing them to survive longer. He cautioned against attributing the phenomenon solely to climate change but acknowledged that a warmer climate leads to a longer mosquito season and better virus survival. Experts also point to a warming climate, loss of biodiversity, and alterations in land use as contributing factors to the increased West Nile virus activity. A longer mosquito season provides more opportunities for transmission, and a decline in bird diversity may favour species that are efficient reservoirs for the virus. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that Europe's warming trend, characterised by more frequent and severe heatwaves and floods, creates more favourable conditions for invasive mosquito species like Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. ## Disagreement on virus spread While Italian health authorities report over 650 West Nile virus infections this year, accounting for about half of Europe's cases, the digest from Unknown outlet, under the headline "With the Heat Rising, a Virus Hits Italy!", offers a more general statement that "a virus hits Italy" without specifying case numbers or the proportion of European totals. ## What the coverage left out None of the left-rated digests mention the specific detail that Italy's West Nile virus cases have been considered endemic since 2020, when cases began to surge. None of the centre-rated digests mention the specific detail that Italy's West Nile virus cases have been considered endemic since 2020, when cases began to surge. None of the right-rated digests mention the specific detail that Italy's West Nile virus cases have been considered endemic since 2020, when cases began to surge. ## Who covered it Shares of the 21 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 57% (12) - Centre: 29% (6) - Right: 14% (3) 3 of 24 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-19T07:45:22.435996+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-19T08:00:29.831Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated reports led with the connection between rising temperatures and the spread of West Nile virus, highlighting Italy's significant case numbers. They cited Antonino Bella, a researcher at Italy's National Institute of Health, who explained that higher temperatures linked to climate change help mosquitoes reproduce and extend the transmission season. These reports also included information from Marc-Alain Widdowson of the WHO Europe office, who discussed how warming weather expands the virus and vector replication period. The spread of invasive mosquito species like Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, and their potential to transmit various diseases, was also noted, referencing warnings from the ECDC about Europe's warming trend and increased frequency of heat waves and floods. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports focused on the link between rising temperatures and the increased spread of West Nile virus, with Italy reporting over 650 infections, about half of Europe's total. They quoted Antonino Bella, a researcher at Italy's National Institute of Health, who attributed the spread to higher temperatures and longer warm seasons aiding mosquito reproduction and extending the transmission period. These reports also featured comments from Marc-Alain Widdowson of the WHO Europe office, who stated that warming weather expands the virus and vector replication period and helps the virus survive better. The reports noted that experts cite a warming climate, loss of biodiversity, and changes in land use as contributing factors to increased West Nile virus activity. ### Right - Right-rated reports highlighted that Italian health authorities are observing evidence of rising temperatures and longer warm seasons contributing to the spread of West Nile virus across a wider area and for more months of the year. They mentioned that Italy has reported over 650 infections so far this year, representing about half of Europe's cases. These reports also noted that warmer temperatures favour mosquito reproduction and can extend the transmission season, potentially lasting until November. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - mixed: 2 - high: 9 - unknown: 3 - veryHigh: 10 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [unn.ua](https://unn.ua/news/virus-zakhidnoho-nilu-shyrytsia-yevropoiu-v-italii-zafiksuvaly-ponad-650-vypadkiv) — West Nile Virus Spreads Through Europe, More than 650 Cases Recorded in Italy - [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/estilo/salud/mientras-europa-se-calienta-italia-ve-el-virus-del-nilo-occidental-propagarse-mas-y-por-mas-tiempo-b3052806.html) — As Europe Warms up, Italy Sees the West Nile Virus Spread More and More - [Unknown](https://arabic.pressbee.net/show10994676.html?title=%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3-%D9%8A%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7) — With the Heat Rising, a Virus Hits Italy! - [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/world/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - Regional Media News - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/europe/11151804/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer/article_d93f5e1e-6f2c-5d2e-ae14-b26a9e63eaa1.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/life/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer/article_f9aee00f-b520-5875-874c-9e3ed4b6c56c.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/italy-europe-italian-rome-netherlands-b3052802.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/italy-europe-italian-rome-netherlands-b3052802.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/world/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer/article_f072735a-2b66-58e6-91a2-428c48f5cc48.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [The Sun Chronicle](https://thesunchronicle.com/news/nation_world/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer/article_be07bb19-63f4-5711-a702-11485927b514.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [abc News](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-136580554) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/world/2026/09/19/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [WPLG](https://local10.com/news/world/2026/09/19/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [thairath.co.th](https://thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2960616) — Experts Point Out that as Europe Heats up, the West Nile Virus Is Spreading Further. - [Georgia Public Broadcasting](https://gpb.org/news/2026/09/19/europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread - [KPBS](https://kpbs.org/news/international/2026/09/18/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread - [ksfr.org](https://ksfr.org/npr-news/2026-09-18/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread - [npr](https://npr.org/2026/09/19/g-s1-144162/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread - [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/life/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer/article_076646a6-2bf8-5930-a7ea-81f6cd52e834.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [The Record](https://therecord.com/life/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer/article_8acee849-1d18-556c-a0a6-b5b662031285.html) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/2026/09/18/as-europe-warms-italy-sees-west-nile-virus-spread-farther-and-longer) — As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer ## Questions **How many West Nile virus cases has Italy reported this year?** Italian health authorities have reported over 650 West Nile virus infections this year. This figure represents approximately half of all cases recorded across Europe, indicating a significant concentration of the virus within Italy. **What is causing the increase in West Nile virus cases?** Experts and health officials link the rise in West Nile virus cases to a warming climate. Rising temperatures and longer warm seasons promote mosquito reproduction and extend the period during which the virus can be transmitted to humans. **Has West Nile virus spread to other European countries?** Yes, the Netherlands has reported over two dozen West Nile virus cases and several deaths this year, marking its first occurrence since 2020. Experts also note that warming weather is expanding the virus and vector replication period in more countries across Europe. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/health/italy-reports-over-650-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-warming-climate. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Italy reports over 650 West Nile virus cases amid warming climate", https://mediabias.news/health/italy-reports-over-650-west-nile-virus-cases-amid-warming-climate