Five additional deaths from West Nile virus infection were recorded in Greece during the latest reporting week, according to the weekly epidemiological surveillance report from the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY).
The report also identified 58 new locally acquired cases, bringing the total number of cases recorded between the beginning of the 2026 season and September 2 to 290.
Of the total cases, 199, or 68.6%, involved neurological complications affecting the central nervous system. These included encephalitis, meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis.
Most severe cases affected the nervous system
The median age among patients who developed central nervous system symptoms was 74, with patients ranging from 13 to 96 years old.
The remaining 91 patients, or 31.4%, experienced mild symptoms or did not develop central nervous system manifestations.
West Nile virus infection can therefore range considerably in severity, with the latest EODY figures showing that a substantial proportion of reported cases involved serious neurological disease.
Deaths concentrated among older patients
A total of 24 deaths have been recorded among patients infected with West Nile virus since the beginning of the year.
All of those who died were older than 65. Their median age was 83, with ages ranging from 66 to 92.
The latest figures cover cases and deaths reported through September 2, 2026.
