Number of West Nile virus infected in Netherlands rises to 64

In the Netherlands, five more cases of West Nile virus have been identified over the past week, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching 64, the Netherlands National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said.

According to the institute, new patients became infected after being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Most patients were diagnosed with the infection after hospitalization with symptoms.

Since the beginning of 2026, 10 patients with West Nile virus have died in the Netherlands.

The RIVM said the country’s peak outbreak had already passed as the number of new cases fell in recent weeks.

The virus was also found in 32 birds and five horses in the past week. Since the beginning of the year, 242 birds and 168 horses have been infected.

In an October 8 update, RIVM reported three new cases of West Nile virus infection in a week. The total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the year has reached 59.

West Nile fever is a viral infection that is most often transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most infected people have no or mild symptoms, but some may experience flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, inflammation of the brain or its membranes may develop.