West Nile virus transmission is intensifying across Greece, with Attica accounting for more than half of reported infections and Thessaly and Central Macedonia also recording significant case numbers, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organisation (EODY).
In its latest weekly report, covering data through Sept. 2, EODY said 290 domestically acquired infections had been reported since the start of the current transmission season. The agency expects additional cases in the coming weeks as virus circulation remains elevated.
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Neurological Cases Account For Most Infections
Of the 290 cases, 199 involved neurological disease affecting the central nervous system, including encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis. Another 91 patients experienced milder illness or had no central nervous system involvement.
The median age of patients with neurological symptoms was 74. As of Sept. 2, 24 deaths had been recorded, all among people older than 65, with a median age of 83. A total of 63 patients were hospitalized, including 32 in intensive care and 31 in ordinary wards. Another 182 patients had been discharged.
Attica Accounts For More Than Half Of Cases
About 166 of the 290 infections were reported in Attica, more than half the national total. Thessaly and Central Macedonia followed with 52 cases each. Crete recorded three cases, while Central Greece and the Peloponnese reported two and one, respectively. The place of exposure remains under investigation for another 14 cases.
EODY described circulation in Attica as “particularly intense” and said case numbers are higher than in previous years. Infections have been identified in 69 municipalities, 20 regional units and six regions.
Larissa And Eastern Attica Report Multiple Cases
Larissa recorded the most cases at 27, followed by Spata–Artemida with 19. Markopoulo Mesogaias and Agia Paraskevi each reported 14, while Pella recorded 13.
Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni and Halandri each had 12 cases. Eastern Attica also recorded high numbers of neurological cases, including 17 in Spata–Artemida and 11 each in Markopoulo Mesogaias and Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni. Agia Paraskevi and Halandri each recorded 10 severe cases in the Northern Sector of Athens.
EODY Adds Municipalities To High-Risk List
EODY has designated additional municipalities as high risk despite no reported human cases as of Sept. 2. In Attica, these include Iraklio, Nea Smyrni, Palaio Faliro, Nea Filadelfia–Nea Chalkidona, Dafni–Ymittos and Ilion.
Other designated areas include municipalities in Trikala, Serres, Thessaloniki, Pieria, Kilkis, Corinthia, Heraklion in Crete, Thasos and Tinos. The classifications consider epidemiological, geomorphological and other risk indicators.
Officials Expect More Cases
EODY expects additional infections in areas already affected and potentially in new locations, saying the virus’s geographic spread cannot be predicted with certainty.
The agency is urging people across Greece to maintain mosquito protection measures for as long as mosquitoes remain active.
Cyprus Has Four Confirmed Cases
Cyprus has reported four confirmed West Nile virus cases, with two additional cases under investigation. Health authorities are urging vigilance but say the current data do not indicate a particular cause for alarm.
Deputy Head of the Health Services Herodotos Herodotou told SIGMA’s Protoselido program that caution remains important so health services can respond quickly to developments.
Herodotou said infected mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans and noted that Cyprus has used mosquito-control measures for decades. He also said the mosquito species involved has long existed on the island. Where cases are identified, health services are applying measures including spraying around patients’ homes, inspections and door-to-door tracing.
Mosquito Control Remains Key
Residents are advised to remove standing water from plant pots, fountains, gutters and other areas where mosquitoes can breed. Personal protection measures include window screens, particularly in homes with elderly residents, and fans to reduce mosquito activity indoors. EODY recommends maintaining these precautions throughout the period of mosquito activity.
