West Nile virus cases on the rise in Greece: Death toll reaches 19, case count hits 232
According to the latest EODY report, 75 new local transmissions were recorded in the country in one week; it was announced that all those who died were over the age of 65.
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The rise in West Nile virus cases in Greece has moved to the top of the public health agenda. According to the weekly report by the National Public Health Organization (EODY), 75 new local transmission cases were detected in the last week. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the 2026 transmission season to 232.
The report stated that neurological symptoms were observed in a significant portion of the cases. Findings affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis, were identified in 165 of the patients. In 67 patients, the disease followed a milder course or no neurological symptoms were reported.
As of August 26, the number of people who lost their lives due to the virus was announced as 19. EODY announced that all of the patients who passed away were over the age of 65.
It was reported that the number of patients continuing treatment in hospitals is 73. It was noted that 26 of these patients are being monitored in intensive care units, and one is in a unit requiring high-level care. It was announced that 124 patients have been discharged so far.
CASES CONCENTRATED IN ATTICA
The Attica region stands out in this year's increase. EODY reported that virus circulation in the region is more intense compared to previous years. So far, cases have been detected in 61 municipalities, 18 regional units, and five regions across the country. These regions are listed as Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese, and Central Greece.
In East Attica, 17 cases were recorded in the Spata-Artemida Municipality; central nervous system involvement was observed in 15 of these cases. While 13 cases were detected in Markopoulo Mesogaias, infections were also reported in Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Agia Paraskevi, Pallini, and Halandri.
Outside of Attica, it was stated that virus circulation has also increased in Thessaly. 21 cases were recorded in the Larissa Municipality; infections were also seen in Karditsa, Palamas, Sofades, Kileler, Tempi, Tyrnavos, and Farsala. In Central Macedonia, cases were detected in some settlements affiliated with Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Pieria, and Serres.
Authorities have defined some locations as "high risk" in light of epidemiological and geographical data, in addition to areas where human cases have been seen. The municipalities of Heraklion, Nea Smyrni, Nea Filadelfeia-Nea Chalkidona, and Dafni-Ymittos in Attica, as well as Amphipolis and Thasos, were included in this list.
Findings regarding the circulation of the virus were not limited to human cases. Nine different clusters of infection were detected during surveillance studies for horses and other equids in East Attica, West Athens, Drama, Preveza, and the Thessaloniki Metropolitan Unit.
EODY warned that additional cases may emerge in the coming period, both in areas where cases have been seen and in new areas. The institution also stated that the numbers for recent weeks may increase in the coming days, as there can be a time lag between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis and official notification.