Greece is facing a particularly intense West Nile virus outbreak this season, with health authorities warning that new cases are expected in the coming weeks. According to the latest weekly report from the Greek National Organization for Public Health (EODY), 290 cases of domestically acquired infection have been confirmed in the country as of September 2, while 24 people have died.
In the last week alone, 58 new cases have been recorded, indicating that transmission of the virus remains at high levels.
Of the 290 people diagnosed, 199 developed neurological symptoms affecting the central nervous system, including encephalitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. 91 patients had milder symptoms or no central nervous system involvement.
The average age of patients who developed neurological complications is 74 years old, while all victims were over 65 years old. The average age of those who lost their lives is 83 years old, confirming the particularly high risk for the elderly.
Hospitals under pressure
The situation continues to strain the Greek hospital system. As of September 2, 63 patients were hospitalized, of whom 32 were in intensive care units, while 31 were being treated in regular wards.
Meanwhile, 182 patients have been discharged from hospital after treatment. A significant number of cases with neurological symptoms have also been reported in Pallini, Marathon and Acharnes. In the northern sector of Athens, Agia Paraskevi and Halandri have each recorded 10 cases with central nervous system manifestations.
