West Nile virus cases rise in Greece

Greece is currently experiencing a significant surge in West Nile virus infections, with authorities reporting 45 new cases in the past week alone. This brings the cumulative total for the 2026 season to 110 confirmed cases, occurring across 39 municipalities and 14 regional units. Health officials have noted that 81 of these patients developed severe neurological complications, and there have been nine fatalities among individuals over the age of 65. Epidemiologists warn that the country has already matched last year's total death toll, suggesting that figures will likely continue to rise throughout the remainder of the season.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Greece and Italy are currently seeing the highest spread of the virus in Europe. Experts like epidemiologist Theodora Psaltopoulou attribute this outbreak to multifactorial causes, particularly mild winters and prolonged, hot summers that have facilitated a rapid increase in mosquito populations. While the virus has also been identified in Germany, Greece remains a primary focal point. The National Public Health Organization (EODY) continues to urge the public to adopt rigorous personal protection measures against mosquito bites throughout the active season to curb further transmission.