In total three domestic cases of West Nile virus infection have been diagnosed in Greece, from the beginning of the 2023 period, until today, according to EODY. The two cases (aged over 67 years) had CNS manifestations (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) and one case had mild/no CNS manifestations. The three cases have been recorded in settlements in the Regional Units of Serres, Karditsa and Kavala.

During the last week, from the previous EODY weekly report to today, two new cases were diagnosed/reported. No death of a patient infected with the virus has been recorded.

It is worth noting that according to the results of a seroepidemiological study conducted in 2010, for each case of West Nile virus infection with CNS involvement, there are approximately 140 people infected with the virus (with mild symptoms or asymptomatic).

Outbreaks of West Nile virus infection occur in many countries worldwide, as well as in many European countries, on an annual basis, reports EODY. In the years 2010-2014 and 2017-2022, cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded in various regions (and) of our country, during the summer and autumn months, while circulation of the virus has been recorded in all Regions. The appearance of cases of infection by the virus, on an annual -almost- basis during the last decade indicates that the West Nile virus has settled in our country as well as in other European countries. Therefore, it was considered possible and expected that incidents will re-emerge during the current period of 2023, during the period of circulation of mosquitoes, both in known and – possibly – in new areas.

EODY had already informed (in May 2023) health professionals nationwide for his need for vigilances for the early diagnosis of cases. It is considered possible and expected that further cases will be diagnosed in the coming period (and in view of the awareness of health professionals). In the European Union and in countries neighboring it, during the period 2023, until 19/07/2023, apart from our country, cases of infection with the DN virus have been recorded in: Italy and Hungary.

Epidemiological surveillance of the disease, the timely implementation of appropriate integrated mosquito control programs and the adoption of personal protection measures against mosquitoes are the most appropriate measures to control the disease. In this context, the vigilance of health professionals on the one hand and the continued vigilance of local and national authorities on the other are deemed necessary.