An individual from the province of Utrecht has died from a West Nile virus infection, according to officials with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
The person contracted the West Nile virus in the Netherlands and died in a hospital. So far in 2026, there have been three cases of West Nile virus infections reported that were probably contracted in the Netherlands.
RIVM notes that it is still very unlikely for people to contract West Nile fever in the Netherlands.
Experts from various organisations are closely keeping an eye on how often West Nile virus occurs in the Netherlands among humans, horses, birds, and mosquitoes. So far this year, West Nile virus has been found in the provinces of Utrecht, North Brabant, and South Holland. It is possible that the virus is also present in other parts of the Netherlands. That is why RIVM has asked doctors across the country to be alert if they see people with symptoms that match West Nile fever.
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The West Nile virus occurs in birds. The common house mosquito can contract the virus when feeding on the blood of an infected bird. An infected mosquito can then pass the virus on to other birds, to mammals such as horses, and to humans. Humans and horses can fall ill with the West Nile virus, but they cannot pass the virus on to others. The disease caused by the West Nile virus is called West Nile fever.
About 80% of people who contract the West Nile virus do not show any symptoms. Around 19% experience flu-like symptoms, and 1 per cent may develop neurological symptoms. People over 50 and people with weakened immune systems due to illness or medication have a higher risk of becoming very ill from West Nile fever. A small proportion of people who have a severe form of West Nile fever may die.