Petroupoli: West Nile virus case and spraying

Petroupoli was added to the epidemiological map of West Nile virus on Wednesday 19 August 2026. The municipality announced that it had been informed by EODY of a confirmed human case in the town and that it had already proceeded with large-scale spraying, covering central points, squares, parks, drains and other communal spaces where mosquito populations can develop. The announcement reflects a change in the epidemiological picture, as Petroupoli was not yet included in the table of estimated municipalities of exposure in EODY’s most recent full weekly report, which had been published on 12 August.

That report recorded a total of 110 domestically acquired cases in the country, with 45 new diagnoses or notifications within a week. Of the patients, 81 had presented manifestations from the central nervous system, while nine deaths of people over the age of 65 had been recorded. This year’s circulation of the virus had initially been concentrated mainly in Eastern Attica and in municipalities of the northern and southern sectors, but the geographical distribution has shifted towards the western side of the Athens basin: the same report had already recorded one case in the Municipality of Fyli and three cases in neighbouring Acharnes. The virus is transmitted to humans mainly by the bite of infected common mosquitoes that have previously fed on infected birds and, according to EODY, is not transmitted from person to person through everyday social contact.

The confirmation in Petroupoli coincides with the intensification of the mosquito control programme in neighbouring Western Attica. On Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August, ground larviciding spraying was carried out as part of the 13th cycle, along with aerial spraying using an unmanned aircraft system, as part of the corresponding 12th cycle for 2026. The use of drones allows the programme to be applied at points where access for ground crews is more difficult. The programme is implemented with the scientific support of the Benaki Phytopathological Institute and is funded by the Region of Attica, while specialised crews carry out weekly checks for the presence of larvae and record adult mosquitoes in all intervention areas. “We intervene in good time and in a targeted way, in cooperation with the municipalities and the competent services,” said the deputy regional governor of Western Attica about the prevention measures.

As for personal protection, about 80% of those infected show no symptoms at all and a share close to 20% develop mild illness with fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea or a rash. Fewer than one in a hundred patients develop a severe form with involvement of the central nervous system, with greater risk for the elderly, the immunosuppressed and those with chronic conditions. Because the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are active from dusk until dawn, the authorities recommend approved insect repellents and mosquito nets, regularly emptying water from flowerpots, saucers, buckets and old tyres, screens on doors and windows, and long-sleeved clothing in the late afternoon. The Municipality of Petroupoli says it will adjust its interventions to EODY’s guidance and will provide updates on any further developments.