West Nile virus: 290 cases, 24 deaths in 2026

The National Organization for Public Health (EODY) announced, through its weekly report, that the total number of confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Greece this year reached 290, following the recording of 58 new cases in the past week. According to the same data, the number of deaths linked to the virus rose to 24, with EODY clarifying that all fatal cases involved individuals over 65 years old. The new report shows a clear increase compared to previous weeks, attributed to high summer temperatures and prolonged mosquito activity. The organization notes that surveillance of the virus is carried out in cooperation with regional health services, which record and report new cases on a weekly basis.

Of the total cases recorded this year by EODY, 199 presented manifestations from the central nervous system, indicative of the severity the disease can reach in some patients, while the remaining 91 showed mild symptoms. The organization notes that the virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and that, according to general epidemiological data, most infections remain asymptomatic or show mild symptoms, with severe disease concentrated mainly in older ages. The recording of such a high number of cases with neurological involvement is, according to EODY, a factor that requires continued monitoring of the disease’s evolution in the coming weeks. The organization also reports that the majority of individuals hospitalized this year belonged to older age groups or with underlying diseases, a fact consistent with international experience with the virus.

Geographically, EODY reports that cases have been recorded in 69 municipalities of the country, with the greatest dispersal found in Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, Peloponnese, Central Greece and Crete. The wide geographical spread of the disease, according to the organization, reflects the widespread presence of mosquito vectors in much of Greek territory this summer. EODY emphasizes that epidemiological surveillance is monitored on a weekly basis so that competent health services can inform the public and health professionals in a timely manner about high-risk areas. The distribution of cases in so many municipalities, according to the organization, makes coordinated action at the local level necessary to combat mosquito vectors.

The organization urges citizens, especially elderly and vulnerable groups, to take protective measures against mosquito bites, especially during afternoon and evening hours. As mosquito activity continues into September, EODY is expected to update weekly data on West Nile virus, while local health services in affected areas have intensified mosquito control efforts. The organization has not announced new measures beyond prevention recommendations to the public, and calls on those who develop symptoms such as fever or neurological disorders to seek immediate medical attention, especially if they belong to high-risk groups.