According to the latest data from Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY), 157 locally acquired cases had been recorded by 19 August, including 116 involving the central nervous system. Thirteen patients have died.

EODY has warned that cases are expected to rise further in the coming weeks and is urging people across the country to consistently take measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

Marking World Mosquito Day on 20 August, EODY issued a renewed warning over the intense circulation of West Nile virus during the current transmission season.

Case numbers have far exceeded those recorded during the corresponding period in previous years. Most cases continue to be reported in eastern Attica, although infections have now been recorded across several parts of the country.

Cases have so far been reported in the regions of Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese and Central Greece. Attica in particular has recorded a very high number of cases compared with previous years.

During the past week alone, 47 new locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infection were diagnosed and reported.

EODY said that another infection had also been diagnosed in a person with a complex travel history, including travel to a country where the virus is endemic. The country in which the person may have been infected remains unclear, and the case has therefore not been included in the analysis of locally acquired infections.

From the beginning of the 2026 transmission season until 11am on 19 August, a total of 157 locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infection had been diagnosed and reported in Greece.

Of these:

  • 116 cases involved central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, including encephalitis, meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis
  • 41 cases involved mild symptoms or no CNS manifestations.

Over the same period, 13 deaths were recorded among patients with West Nile virus infection involving the central nervous system.

All those who died were over the age of 65. Their median age was 82, with ages ranging from 66 to 91.

EODY stressed that older people, as well as people who are immunosuppressed or have chronic underlying conditions, are at greater risk of developing severe illness. It urged those in higher-risk groups to take mosquito protection measures consistently.

The organisation has also warned that the epidemiological situation could worsen in the coming weeks.

West Nile virus cases typically peak between mid-August and early September, meaning a further increase in infections is expected.

EODY is therefore again stressing the need for systematic protection against mosquitoes.

Protection measures

EODY recommends that people:

  • use approved insect repellents on the body and indoors according to instructions, as well as mosquito nets, air conditioning or fans and appropriate long clothing
  • avoid leaving standing water anywhere, and regularly check yards, gardens, verandas, terraces, balconies, fields and plots of land for possible sources of stagnant water
  • turn over or cover objects that collect water, or replace the water in them at least once a week
  • cover cesspit ventilation openings with mesh.

EODY said people can consult its weekly surveillance reports, published every Wednesday, for information on municipalities where human cases have already been recorded during the current transmission season and where the virus is therefore known to be circulating among mosquitoes.

However, it is not possible to predict with certainty where the virus will circulate in the coming weeks.

EODY therefore recommends that people take personal protection measures against mosquitoes throughout Greece for the entire period in which mosquitoes are active.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.