Belgium - West Nile virus 2026

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Five suspected cases of human infection with West Nile virus in Flanders, one person hospitalized

Yesterday at 4:45 PM - updated yesterday at 7:14 PM

These are believed to be the first human infections since the virus was known to be circulating in Belgium in early August. One person has been hospitalized.

Info By RTBF with Belga

Five people are suspected of having contracted West Nile virus in Flanders, the Department of Health announced Friday. The five suspected cases are located in the provinces of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant. Further confirmatory tests are underway. Four of the five patients are exhibiting neurological symptoms. They reside in areas where cases of animal infections have already been reported. One person has been hospitalized.

These would be the first human infections since the virus was known to be circulating in Belgium in early August. According to the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA), 25 cases of Western zoster virus have already been detected in horses and around 60 in birds.

West Nile virus, which is spreading significantly in Europe, is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites. Approximately 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms. " It's a virus that can cause very severe infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or in the elderly ," explains microbiologist Emmanuel André. " So the disease is severe, but only in a minority of cases. "

Only 1% of infected individuals develop a severe form of the disease. For the others, it is generally mild: fever, headache, muscle pain or fatigue.

The Flemish health agency is reassuring the public, stating that the risk of infection is low. " The fact that several infections were detected simultaneously is likely due to the virus actively circulating in Europe. Its spread continued this summer through local bird and mosquito populations. More tests have also been carried out, and doctors are paying closer attention to symptoms ," a spokesperson for the Department of Care explained. " We expect infections to occur again before the end of the mosquito season in October. The risk decreases as the days get shorter and temperatures drop. "

The Department of Care informed general practitioners, hospitals, and all relevant healthcare professionals about the epidemiological situation and the symptoms to watch for. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the provinces of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant were notified of the presence of the virus and the measures to take to protect their residents from mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus are most active at dusk and during the night. The virus is not transmitted directly between humans or from horses to humans.

Cinq cas d'infections humaines au virus du Nil occidental suspectées en Flandre, une personne hospitalisée - RTBF Actus

Cinq personnes sont soupçonnées d'avoir contracté le virus du Nil occidental en Flandre, indique vendredi le Departement...

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October 15, 2026
Press release
Infectious diseases & vaccinations

Two deaths after West Nile virus infection in Flanders​

The Department of Health reports that two people have died following infection with the West Nile virus. These were individuals who belonged to a risk group for a severe course of the disease. For privacy reasons, no further details are being released.

Anneleen De Sadeleer, spokesperson for the Department of Care : "Unfortunately, two people have died following an infection with the West Nile virus; our condolences go out to their loved ones. These were individuals in the risk group for a severe course of the disease. Meanwhile, 14 infections have been confirmed in Flanders, two of which were fatal. Unfortunately, this is not unexpected. We knew that the virus had been circulating locally in Flanders over the past few months and that 1% of infected individuals can become seriously ill. For most people, the risk of serious illness remains small. The vast majority of infections are mild and even occur without symptoms, meaning they are not reported or confirmed. However, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems remain particularly vulnerable. It is therefore best to continue protecting yourself well against mosquito bites. Fortunately, the mosquito season is coming to an end at the end of October.”

Caroline Gennez, Flemish Minister of Welfare and Poverty Reduction, Culture and Equal Opportunities : “This is particularly sad news. My sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the two deceased. Together with the Department of Care, we are closely monitoring the spread of the West Nile virus. We continue to provide targeted information to healthcare providers and residential care centers on how to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. We also call on everyone to take the necessary precautions, particularly the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. In this way, we protect the most vulnerable as best as possible.”


You can find more information about how to protect yourself against mosquitoes at: West Nile Fever | Department of Health.

Twee overlijdens na besmetting met westnijlvirus in Vlaanderen | Departement Zorg

Het Departement Zorg van de Vlaamse overheid is verantwoordelijk voor het beleidsvoorbereidende, -uitvoerende en -ondersteunende werk binnen de Vlaamse gezondheids- en welzijnszorg.

www.departementzorg.be