Cases of West Nile virus infection continue to riseIn the last week they were diagnosed 18 new cases, bringing the total to 58 domestic cases of West Nile virus infection. They have been recorded 8 deaths in patients with infection from the virus and with manifestations from the CNS, aged over 64 years (median age of deceased = 85 years).

According to the epidemiological report of EODY, 49 of the 58 cases presented manifestations from the Central Nervous System (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) and 9 cases had mild or no CNS manifestations.

In the period 2023, cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded in Greece, in settlements in the Regional Units of Karditsa, Larissa, Trikala, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Pieria, Serres, Kavala, Drama, Kastoria and Arta.

The EODY considers the diagnosis of further cases to be expected in the coming period (and in view of raising the awareness of health professionals). 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.

In the European Union and neighboring countries, during the period 2023, apart from our country, cases of infection have been recorded in Italy, France, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Spain, North Macedonia and Serbia.

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, concludes EODY.