Greece is facing a fast-moving spread of West Nile virus this summer, with health officials confirming a sharp rise in cases over the past week. The National Public Health Organization, known as EODY, said in its weekly report dated August 5 that the country has recorded 65 confirmed domestic infections since the start of the 2026 transmission season, with 23 of them diagnosed in just the last seven days.
Of the total cases, 54 patients developed serious complications involving the central nervous system, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis.
The remaining 11 patients had mild symptoms or none linked to the nervous system. Six people have died so far this year, all of them older than 65. The median age among the deceased was 79, with ages ranging from 66 to 91.
Twenty patients still hospitalized as eight remain in ICU
Health officials said 20 patients remain hospitalized, including eight in intensive care units and twelve in general wards. Another 38 people have already been discharged, and one patient did not need hospitalization at all. The first case of the season began showing symptoms on June 25, according to the report.
Cases have been confirmed and investigated in 25 municipalities across ten regional units, with most concentrated in the greater Attica region, though infections have also appeared in Thessaly and Central Macedonia.
The areas of Spata-Artemida, Marcopoulo Mesogaias and Palini in eastern Attica reported the highest numbers of patients. Officials noted that Attica is experiencing an unusually intense circulation of the virus this year compared with previous seasons.
Greece warns of continued spread as West Nile virus persists
EODY explained that, based on a 2010 study, for every reported case involving the nervous system, roughly 140 additional people may be infected with mild symptoms or none at all.
Beyond Greece, several other European countries have also reported infections this year, including Italy, Romania, France, North Macedonia, Spain and Germany, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Since 2010, Greece has recorded West Nile virus cases in nearly every transmission season, a pattern that suggests the virus has become established in the country.
Health authorities are urging residents nationwide to take personal precautions against mosquito bites, particularly during the peak summer and early autumn months, as officials warn that further spread of West Nile virus in Greece is expected in the coming weeks and cannot be predicted with certainty.
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