Thirty people have died from West Nile virus in Greece as infections continue to rise, with 34 new domestic cases recorded over the past week. The total number of confirmed cases since the start of the transmission period has now reached 324, according to the latest epidemiological surveillance report released by the National Public Health Organization (EODY).
Epidemiological Overview and Hospitalizations
Among the 324 total cases, the vast majority presented with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, including encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. The remaining patients experienced milder forms of the disease or West Nile fever.
All recorded fatalities occurred in individuals over the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions. According to recent public health figures, dozens of patients remain hospitalized in standard wards, while several individuals continue to receive specialized care in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and High Dependency Units (HDU).
Widespread Transmission Across Attica and Regional Areas
The geographical footprint of the virus demonstrates broad transmission, with confirmed cases recorded across 73 municipalities and 22 regional units in Greece.
Public health authorities have observed particularly intense viral circulation across the Attica region this season, where caseloads are notably higher than in previous years. Substantial epidemiological burdens also persist across Central and Northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, Pieria, Kilkis, Serres, Karditsa, and Trikala.
Several additional municipalities in Attica (including Irakleio, Nea Smyrni, Palaio Faliro, Nea Filadelfeia–Nea Chalkidona, Dafni–Ymittos, and Ilion) as well as regional districts (such as parts of Thessaloniki, Corinth, Hersonissos in Crete, and Tinos) have been placed in the “high risk” category. While some of these areas may not yet have recorded confirmed human infections, local environmental assessments, geographical conditions, and proximity to active viral hotspots warrant elevated vigilance.
European Dimension and Expert Warnings
The current surge is not confined to Greece. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlights that prolonged high temperatures across Southern and Central Europe have created optimal conditions for vector mosquito reproduction and viral transmission. Cases have also been identified in Italy, France, Spain, Romania, Serbia, and Cyprus.
Health experts anticipate that additional cases will continue to be diagnosed throughout September, as prevailing weather conditions sustain mosquito activity.
Key Prevention Guidelines
EODY (National Public Health Organization) and public health bodies urge the public to follow essential self-protection measures across the country:
• Apply approved insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing.
• Install and maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours at dawn and dusk.
• Regularly drain and eliminate standing water from balconies, yards, and gardens (e.g., flower pot saucers, blocked gutters, open buckets) to prevent breeding grounds.
Elderly individuals and those with underlying chronic health conditions are advised to take extra precautions, as they face the highest risk of severe illness.
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