West Nile in Romania: 95 cases reported by INSP, with the majority of patients aged 60–69

The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has reported, in a weekly bulletin, that between 3 June and 16 September 2026, a total of 95 cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded in Romania. Of these, 83 were confirmed and 12 were classified as probable.

According to INSP, 5 people died as a result of the infection, all of whom were elderly individuals with underlying conditions (comorbidities). The death toll remained unchanged from the previous report.

Who is most affected

The age distribution shows a higher rate of exposure among people aged over 50:

• 60–69 years: 25 cases – the most affected age group
• 50–59 years: 19 cases
• 70–79 years: 19 cases
• over 80 years: 11 cases
• 15–19 years: 1 case
• the remaining cases were recorded among adults under the age of 50

Where the cases were reported

The highest number of infections was recorded in Bucharest – 37 cases. At county level, the breakdown is as follows: Ilfov – 10, Călărași – 6, Giurgiu – 6, Ialomița – 5, Brăila – 4, Galați – 3, Teleorman – 3, Argeș – 2, Cluj – 2, Constanța – 2, Iași – 2, Prahova – 2, Suceava – 2, and 1 case each in Bihor, Botoșani, Buzău, Dâmbovița, Harghita, Mureș, Satu Mare, Vaslui, and Vrancea.

How to reduce the risk of infection

Authorities recommend several protective measures against mosquito bites, as mosquitoes are the primary vectors of the West Nile virus:

• wearing clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, including long sleeves and trousers
• using mosquito repellents
• using insecticides inside and around the home
• fitting protective screens on windows
• eliminating stagnant water near homes by draining puddles and removing any containers in which water may collect
• removing household waste from around the home

These measures are particularly recommended in areas where cases have been reported, in order to limit contact with mosquitoes carrying the virus.