Greece sees West Nile surge; Italy leads Europe, Germany reports first case

West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with Greece reporting a surge, Italy leading case counts, and Germany confirming its first infection this season. Greece reported 23 new cases last week, totaling 65 since spring, including 54 severe neurological cases and six deaths. Italy leads Europe with 94 cases, according to ECDC data. Health officials say recorded severe cases represent a small fraction of true circulation; for each severe case, about 140 people may be infected asymptomatically. Affected areas span seven countries.