From the beginning of the period 2023, until today, a total of 143 domestic cases of West Nile virus infection have been diagnosed and investigated in Greece, of which 107 cases presented manifestations from the Central Nervous System (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis or /and acute flaccid paralysis) and 36 cases had mild/no CNS manifestations.

During the last week, 12 new cases were diagnosed/reported.

19 deaths have been recorded in patients with virus infection and CNS manifestations, aged over 64 years (median age of deceased = 81 years), according to the epidemiological report of the EODY.

Cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded in settlements in the Regional Units of Karditsa, Larissa, Trikala, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Pieria, Kilkis, Serres, Halkidiki, Kavala, Drama, Rodopi, Xanthi, Evros, Kastoria, ‘Arta and Ioannina.

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).

It is considered possible and expected that further cases will be diagnosed in the coming period.

The 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 is deemed necessary, on the one hand, and the continued vigilance of local and national authorities on the other.