From the beginning of the period 2024, until today, August 28, they have been diagnosed and investigated in total 124 domestic cases of infection from West Nile virus in Greece, of which 95 cases had CNS manifestations (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) and 29 cases had mild/no CNS manifestations .

During the last week, it states in the weekly report of the EODY, diagnosed/ 24 new domestic cases were reported. There have also been three imported cases of the infection in patients exposed in another foreign country (Albania), which are not included in the analysis. A total of 15 deaths have been recorded in patients with HIV infection, aged over 60 years (median age of deceased = 85 years, range 61 – 92 years).

Outbreaks of West Nile virus infection occur in many countries worldwide, as well as in many European countries, on an annual basis.

The occurrence of cases of infection with the virus, on an almost annual basis over the past decade, suggests that West Nile virus has also settled in our country, as in other European countries, reports EODY. Therefore, it was considered possible and expected that incidents would reoccur during the current period of 2024, during the period of circulation of mosquitoes, both in known and – possibly – new areas.

EODY had already informed (in May 2024) health professionals nationwide about the need for their vigilance for early diagnosis of cases, as well as the public, about the expected recurrence of cases in the country during the current period of circulation of mosquitoes and the recommended protective measures .

In the period 2024, cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded in Greece, in settlements, in 51 Municipalities of the country, in 23 Regional Units, and specifically in the Regional Units: Larissa, Karditsa, Lefkada, Thesprotia, Halkidiki, Pella, Serres , Kilkis, Imathia, Rhodope, Drama, Evros, Xanthi, Thassos, Achaia, Aitoloakarnania, Ilia, Argolis, South Sector of Athens, Eastern Attica, Fthiotida, Boeotia and in the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki.

EODY considers the diagnosis probable and expected further cases in the coming period. In the European Union and neighboring countries, during the period of 2024, cases of infection with the DN virus have been recorded – apart from our country – in: Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Kosovo, Albania and Serbia .