West Nile Virus: 72 confirmed cases and 5 deaths in Romania in 2026

The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) released alarming data on Friday, 11 September 2026, regarding West Nile virus infections in Romania. Between 3 July and 9 September 2026, 72 cases were confirmed and 5 people died. By comparison, during the same period in 2025, no deaths had been recorded and the number of infections had remained below 20.

According to the INSP statement, a total of 83 cases were identified as either confirmed or classified as probable during this period, of which 72 were confirmed. All 5 individuals who died were elderly and had underlying conditions (comorbidities).

How the situation compares to previous years

The 2026 figures significantly exceed those reported in previous seasons:

• 2025: 18 cases, no deaths, during the same calendar period;
• 2024: 54 cases and 5 deaths;
• 2023: 28 cases and 4 deaths, reported up to 30 August.

In 2023, the majority of infections were recorded in urban areas, with București leading, and people aged over 60 were the most affected.

The trend over the past four years

Analysing the four seasons, INSP has noted an increase in the number of cases in three of the four years examined, with a peak reached in 2026 itself. The year 2025 was the only one to see a temporary decline in infections, followed however by a sharp resurgence this year.

From a geographical standpoint, București remains the area with the highest number of reported cases, followed by counties in the south and east of the country. The profile of affected patients has remained consistent over the years: elderly individuals, particularly from urban areas.