First autochthonous West Nile virus case of 2026 confirmed in France

French health authorities have confirmed the first human case of locally transmitted West Nile virus in the Pyrénées-Orientales department for the 2026 season. The infection, transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, marks the start of the annual transmission cycle following approximately twenty cases recorded in 2025. It remains uncertain if this indicates a broader geographic expansion or increased transmission intensity compared to previous years.