The spread of West Nile virus is accelerating in the Athens metropolitan area, with 14 new cases reported within a week, according to Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY).
The latest cases have been recorded across several parts of the region, from Glyfada and Chalandri to Vari and Markopoulo, highlighting the expanding circulation of virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Health experts say the tripling of reported cases indicates that transmission is intensifying and warn that both the number of infections and the geographic spread are likely to increase in the coming weeks.
Severe Cases Continue to Rise
According to EODY’s latest epidemiological report, as of July 22, a total of 20 patients had developed severe neurological complications, including encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis.
Of those patients, 13 remain hospitalized, including three in intensive care units and one in a high-dependency unit, while eight have been discharged. One additional infection was confirmed in a patient who did not develop neurological symptoms.
Experts also stress that the true number of infections is likely to be much higher. They estimate that for every reported case involving the central nervous system, around 140 other people may have been infected but remain asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms.
More Areas Identified as High Risk
Health authorities have identified several municipalities in the Athens region as affected by the virus, including Spata-Artemida, Markopoulo, Pallini, Agia Paraskevi, Nea Ionia, Halandri, Glyfada, Kropia, Lavreotiki and Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni.
The regions of Larissa and Karditsa in central Greece have also reported cases this year.
In addition, EODY has classified five more municipalities in the Athens area as high risk, despite no confirmed cases there so far. These are Paiania, Rafina-Pikermi, Marousi, Iraklio and Filothei-Psychiko. The designation is based on factors such as proximity to affected areas and historical epidemiological data, suggesting conditions are favorable for virus transmission.
European Health Officials Expect More Cases
Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicate that West Nile virus activity across Europe remains in its early stages. By mid-July, confirmed cases had also been reported in Italy (17), North Macedonia (2), Romania (2) and Spain (2).
According to the ECDC, seasonal weather conditions currently favor mosquito-borne transmission, and additional cases are expected across Europe in the coming weeks.
Suspected Leptospirosis Case Under Investigation
Separately, health authorities are awaiting laboratory results for a suspected case of leptospirosis on the Greek island of Zakynthos.
The patient, a 56-year-old man, is in critical condition in the island’s intensive care unit. If confirmed, it would be the fifth recorded case since April, when four infections, including one fatal case, were reported.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated water, soil or the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. Health officials note that the disease is generally treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early, although it can become severe, especially in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
