EODY: 110 West Nile virus cases and nine deaths

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) recorded 45 new domestic cases of West Nile virus over the past week, according to its weekly report with data up to August 12, 2026. The total number of cases for the season now stands at 110. Of these, 81 presented severe central nervous system involvement. Nine deaths have been recorded, all in patients aged over 65. The number of new cases within a single week corresponds to an increase of roughly 70% of the total.

The geographic spread covers 39 municipalities, 14 regional units and four regions. These are the regions of Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia and the Peloponnese. Most of the cases, 77 according to the data, involve municipalities in Attica. It is noted that the same source cites the figure 78 elsewhere, so the exact number requires confirmation from the original bulletin. The concentration in Attica is attributed to conditions within the urban environment.

The municipalities with the most cases are Spata-Artemida with 13 and Markopoulo Mesogaias with 11. These are followed by Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni with seven, Agia Paraskevi with seven, and Larisa with seven. Six cases were recorded in Pella and five in Pallini. Outside Attica, cases have been recorded in Larisa, Trikala, Palamas, Sofades, Veria, Skydra, Ampelokipoi-Menemeni, Chalkidona, Nea Zichni in Serres, and Evrotas in Laconia. Five cases are under investigation.

EODY has classified certain municipalities as high-risk, even though they have not recorded cases so far. These include Kifisia, Iraklio Attikis, Filothei-Psychiko, Metamorfosi, Kallithea, Nea Smyrni, Nea Filadelfeia-Nea Chalkidona, and Dafni-Ymittos. Outside Attica, Amfipoli in Serres, the Heroic City of Naousa in Imathia, and the Municipality of Delta in Thessaloniki are classified as high-risk. The classification is based on entomological and epidemiological data. Spraying is being intensified in these municipalities.

The Organization considers it “expected that further cases will be diagnosed in the coming period, both in the same areas and in new ones.” It recommends individual protective measures against mosquitoes across the entire country. These measures include using insect repellents, installing screens on openings, and avoiding standing water in yards and balconies. Most infections progress without symptoms. In a small percentage of cases, the disease presents with nervous system involvement.

The transmission vector is the common mosquito, which breeds mainly within the urban fabric, in manholes, cesspools, yards and gardens. This characteristic also determines the division of responsibilities between municipalities and regions. The Region of Attica has increased spraying by 30%, as described in the related report on 78 spraying cycles in Eastern Attica. The National Blood Transfusion Center has also taken special measures for blood donation. Developments are monitored weekly.

The original EODY bulletin is published on the Organization’s official website. Citizens can find detailed data by municipality there. More from Greece on the Greece page. The period of increased mosquito activity typically lasts until October. Individual protective measures are recommended throughout that entire period.