West Nile virus spreads across Europe: over 1,700 infections and deaths reported

West Nile virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, is seeing a rising number of cases across Europe, with over 1,700 infections confirmed. The pathogen, previously associated mainly with southern parts of the continent, has now reached Belgium, where a dozen or so infections and the first deaths have been confirmed. Public health experts warn that the virus is ceasing to be a solely regional threat.