Diseases Spreading in Europe – Some Already Reached Israel
Heat waves and climate change are expanding the range of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. West Nile fever has spread to additional countries, including Italy, Greece, and Spain. In Israel, the first cases of the summer season have been diagnosed, and authorities have instructed to increase monitoring and pest control. Experts recommend protective measures against bites.
This summer marks a worrying trend for public health experts in Europe: diseases once considered rare or tropical are spreading to more countries. Behind this are climate change, rising temperatures, longer summers, and the establishment of mosquito species capable of transmitting viruses. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), West Nile fever continues to spread in Europe in the summer of 2026; by the end of July, dozens of locally acquired cases were reported in Italy, Greece, Spain, Romania, France, Germany, and North Macedonia, along with new affected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that warming allows mosquitoes to expand their habitats. West Nile fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes; in most cases there are no symptoms or a mild febrile illness, but in rare cases, especially among those over 60 and immunocompromised, encephalitis may develop. There is no vaccine or specific treatment. In addition, diseases such as dengue and chikungunya are of concern due to the establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito. In Israel, the diseases are monitored by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection; last month, the first cases of the summer season were diagnosed, and virus-carrying mosquitoes were found in several locations. Authorities have instructed to increase monitoring and pest control and called for draining standing water, using mosquito repellents, and avoiding exposure during dusk and night hours. Experts emphasize that there is no widespread outbreak, but the trend requires increased surveillance, awareness, and prevention.