Greek health authorities are on heightened alert due to the spread of the West Nile virus, which is occurring at an alarming rate this year. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Greece and Italy are among the countries with the highest circulation of the virus in Europe.
Epidemiologist Theodora Psaltopoulou, in an interview with SKAI, said that the situation this year is unusual. She emphasized that 9 deaths have already been recorded, a figure that last year was only reached in late October or early November.
According to her, high temperatures, milder winters and a longer summer season create favorable conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes that transmit the virus. Its circulation has already been reported in countries such as Germany.
45 new cases in just one week
Data from the Hellenic National Institute of Public Health, as of August 12, 2026, show that the number of domestic cases has reached 110, after registering 45 new cases in the last week alone.
Of those infected, 81 people have shown serious manifestations in the Central Nervous System, while all nine victims were over 65 years old. The most serious complications included meningoencephalitis.
The virus has been identified so far in 39 municipalities and 14 regional units, mainly in Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia and the Peloponnese. The most intensive circulation is reported in the Attica region.
In East Attica, the highest number of cases has been recorded in Spata-Artemida with 13 cases, followed by Markopoulo Mesogaias with 11 and Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni with 7.
In the northern and central sectors of Athens, Agia Paraskevi has recorded 7 cases, while Athens and Chalandri have 3 each.
Other areas of the country have also been affected. In Thessaly, Larisa has 7 cases, while in Central Macedonia, Pella has recorded 6 cases.
The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
Although West Nile virus can infect anyone, the risk of developing severe forms is particularly high in people over 60 years of age and those with weakened immune systems.
Greek health authorities recommend protective measures against mosquito bites, especially in areas where the virus has been detected. These include the use of repellents, clothing that covers exposed parts of the body, mosquito nets, and the elimination of stagnant water where insects can breed.
The rapid spread during the summer months has increased the concern of authorities, while experts warn that the number of cases and victims could continue to rise in the coming weeks.
