West Nile fever on the rise in Greece: 232 cases and 19 victims, only one infected in Albania

Greece is facing a rapid increase in West Nile fever cases. According to data from the National Public Health Organization, 75 new cases have been confirmed in the past week, bringing the total to 232 infected individuals.

The death toll has reached 19, all aged 65 and over. Of those diagnosed, 165 have developed central nervous system complications, including encephalitis, meningitis, and acute paralysis. Meanwhile, 67 people have had mild symptoms.

Italy also reports a high number of cases, with 432 infected with West Nile fever and 17 deaths. In North Macedonia, 51 people have been affected and 6 have died.

These figures represent the latest data published by national health authorities of the respective countries, which report weekly to the ECDC, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Albania also reports in this process, as a country aspiring to join the EU.

In Albania, only one case has been confirmed and reported so far. It involves a 72-year-old man from Korça, who continues to receive treatment at the Regional Hospital of that district.

West Nile fever does not only affect humans. In Greece, signs of virus circulation have also been detected in horses and other equine animals.

However, the consequences in animals are not the same as in humans. In many cases, the infection passes without symptoms, while about 20% of infected people develop severe forms of the disease, which can lead to death.