Greece: 290 West Nile virus cases; 58 new infections in one week and 24 deaths among people over 65

The latest data from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) show that a total of 290 cases of West Nile virus infection have been confirmed in Greece since the start of the surveillance period.

Of these cases, 199 patients developed complications involving the central nervous system (CNS), including encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis. In 91 other cases, symptoms were mild or no CNS involvement was detected.

In the past seven days alone, 58 new locally transmitted infections have been recorded.

As of September 2, 2026, the number of people who have died from the infection has reached 24. According to the report, all the victims were over 65.

Cases have been detected and are under investigation in 69 municipalities across 20 regional units of Greece. The affected areas include Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese, Central Greece and Crete.

EODY estimates that additional cases may be detected in the coming days, both in areas where the virus has already appeared and in new areas.

The situation is particularly intense in Attica, where this year the number of cases in several areas and regional units is higher than in previous years.