Greece: West Nile virus update
Since the first human West Nile virus (WNV) case was reported in Greece on June 21, 2024, health officials in the country have reported a total of two hundred and thirteen (213) domestic cases of West Nile virus infection in Greece, of which one hundred and fifty-four (154) cases presented manifestations of Central Nervous System symptoms (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis), through Oct. 23.
Fifty-nine (59) cases had mild/no CNS manifestations.
Thirty-three (33) deaths have been recorded in patients with virus infection, aged over 60 years (median age of deceased: 80 years, range: 61 - 92 years).
The cases and deaths reported this year to date, is already higher than the total for 2023 when 162 cases and 23 deaths.
WNV is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected “common house” mosquitoes.
The majority of infected humans remain asymptomatic or present mild symptoms of a viral syndrome and less than 1% present severe disease with central nervous systems manifestations (mainly encephalitis or meningitis). Older people (over 50 years of age), immunocompromised people and people with chronic underlying diseases are at higher risk for developing severe illness.