Greece reports 324 West Nile cases, 30 deaths this season

Greece has recorded 324 domestic West Nile virus cases since surveillance began this season, with 34 new infections reported in the week ending September 9, according to the National Public Health Organization (EODY). Thirty deaths have occurred, all among patients over 65 years old.

Of the total cases, 217 presented central nervous system manifestations such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis, while 107 exhibited milder symptoms. The virus has been detected in 73 municipalities across 22 regional units nationwide.

Infections span Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Peloponnese, Central Greece, and Crete. EODY notes particularly intense viral circulation in Attica this year, with higher case numbers in specific areas compared to previous seasons.

Health authorities expect further cases in both affected and new areas in the coming period. Beyond municipalities with confirmed cases, EODY has designated additional "high-risk" municipalities based on epidemiological and geomorphological data, proximity to active zones, and historical patterns.

High-risk areas include Heraklion Attica, Nea Smyrni, Palaio Faliro, Nea Filadelfeia-Nea Chalkidona, Dafni-Ymittos, Ilion, Mouzaki, Farsala, Amphipolis, Kalamaria, Neapoli-Sykies, Pavlos Melas, Oraiokastro, Heraklion Crete, and Tinos. EODY recommends personal mosquito protection measures throughout the country for the entire transmission season.