Attica: West Nile virus cases in 31 municipalities

The number of domestic West Nile virus infection cases reported to the National Public Health Organisation reached 157 as of 19 August 2026. The figure covers the whole country, not just Attica, something the Organisation explicitly stresses. Of this total, 116 cases showed central nervous system involvement and 41 were mild forms of the infection. In a single week alone, 47 new domestic cases were added. During the same period, 42 patients were hospitalised, 23 of them in intensive care units, while deaths stood at 13, all of them patients over the age of 65.

The picture in Attica is the densest of this year’s cycle. According to published data, cases have been identified in 31 municipalities in the region, with the most infections recorded in Spata, Artemida, Markopoulo, Vari, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Agia Paraskevi, Pallini and Chalandri. At the same time, the National Public Health Organisation maintains a separate list of high-risk areas, which includes Kifisia, Iraklio Attikis, Filothei, Psychiko, Metamorfosi, Nea Smyrni, Nea Filadelfeia and Nea Chalkidona. The criterion for inclusion on this list is not necessarily the recording of cases, but the geomorphological characteristics of each area, meaning parks, wetlands and lakes that favour mosquito breeding. Designating an area as high-risk does not mean a case has already been recorded there, but that local conditions favour the presence and reproduction of the insects.

The actual spread far exceeds confirmed cases. A study by the National Public Health Organisation, cited by the local report, estimates that for every laboratory-confirmed case there are at least 140 further infections in the community. In Western Attica the picture remains more limited for now: on the 21 August list, the Municipality of Fyli is the only municipality in the area characterised as affected, with one laboratory-confirmed case with central nervous system involvement, while Aspropyrgos, Elefsina, Mandra and Megara are not included. This year’s affected municipalities also include Petroupoli, Chaidari and Agioi Anargyroi–Kamatero.

The Athens Medical Association is calling for stronger prevention measures, noting that in 2022 and 2023 no domestic case had been recorded in Attica. According to the report, a further rise in cases is expected in the coming weeks, as mosquito activity remains high. Municipalities and the Region of Attica are continuing mosquito control applications in drains, streams and public spaces. The available reports do not give a detailed breakdown of cases per municipality, do not specify when the next weekly list from the National Public Health Organisation will be published, and do not mention additional measures beyond those already in place. One of the reports describes this year as a seven-year record in cases and deaths, while a second focuses on the prevention gaps flagged by the Medical Association. The three sources agree on the National Public Health Organisation’s figures and differ only in emphasis.