West Nile Virus: Spata-Artemida is the epicentre

The Municipality of Spata-Artemida is recorded as the largest epicentre of West Nile Virus cases in the country, according to EODY’s weekly epidemiological surveillance report with data up to 5 August 2026. The municipality has recorded 11 cases with probable exposure in the area, up from 9 in the previous week. Ten of these showed manifestations from the central nervous system.

These manifestations include encephalitis, meningitis or meningoencephalitis. The rate for the municipality corresponds to 28.6 severe cases per 100,000 residents, the highest of any municipality in EODY’s table, and it is also the largest number of cases with neurological manifestations in the entire country. Eastern Attica has recorded a total of 24 cases across six municipalities: 11 in Spata-Artemida, 7 in Markopoulo Mesogaia, 2 in Cropiae Municipality and one each in Paianeia, Rafhina-Pikermi and Laureatiki.

EODY informs local authorities in writing of the cases and recommends intensifying mosquito control programmes, as well as informing the public about individual protective measures. The report clarifies that the estimated municipality of exposure is recorded, not the municipality of residence of patients, a detail that is important for planning local interventions and for interpreting the figures.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The majority of those infected show no symptoms, while in a small percentage serious illness develops with involvement of the central nervous system. The Mesogeia, to which the municipalities with the most cases belong, is a flat area with extensive agricultural land and settlements that have developed around it in recent years.

In practical terms, for residents of Spata-Artemida, the situation means increased need for protection during the hours around dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is most intense. The recommended measures are the use of insect repellents, screens on doors and windows and the removal of stagnant water from yards, flowerpots and balconies, where mosquitoes breed.

The data cover the period up to 5 August 2026 and do not reflect any more recent cases. EODY’s next weekly report will update the picture, both for this specific municipality and for eastern Attica overall. The question remains open as to how often and at which points mosquito spraying operations are carried out, as the report does not record the actions of the municipalities.

In the coming period, developments will be determined by the frequency of control interventions and by the course of temperatures, which affects the lifecycle of mosquitoes. EODY continues weekly publication of surveillance data, while the municipalities in the area are called, in accordance with the recommendations, to intensify mosquito control programmes and inform residents about individual protective measures.