Italian virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco has warned that the transmission patterns of the so-called "rain disease" have changed across Europe, according to a report published by Virgilio on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Pregliasco, a well-known health expert in Italy, said the way the illness spreads is no longer what it used to be. His comments came as European health officials monitor a rise in cases linked to wet weather conditions, the report states.
Virgilio reports that the disease, which has drawn attention due to its connection to rainy seasons, is now presenting with symptoms that require closer observation. The exact list of symptoms was not detailed in the available reporting, but the expert's remarks suggest a shift in how the illness behaves compared to earlier outbreaks.
The warning from Pregliasco adds to growing concern among public health authorities in Europe. While the report does not specify which countries are most affected, the reference to continental spread indicates the issue is not limited to one region. The change in transmission modes could complicate existing prevention efforts, according to the expert.
Virgilio's coverage highlights that the disease's link to rainfall makes seasonal timing important for tracking and response. Health officials may need to update their guidance to account for the new transmission dynamics described by Pregliasco.
What to watch next: whether European health agencies issue revised public health advice in response to the expert's warning.
