The West Nile virus has claimed two lives in Greece, the Greek National Health Care Organisation (EODY) announced on Tuesday. Both were over 81 years old and the cause of their deaths was infection to their central nervous system.
Another eight new cases of infection have been recorded in the last week which bring up the infections to 11. Ten of the 11 infected, showed signs of infection in the central nervous system – in the brain and spinal cord. These signs showed evidence of encephalitis, and/or meningitis and/or acute paralysis .
According to the EODY, three of the patients are still in hospital, and one of them is in intensive care. Six were discharged.
West Nile appeared again in 2023 in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaly, and Central Macedonia.
Recorded infections and regions:
-2 cases in Kavala (one was with mild symptoms)
-4 in Karditsa
-1 in Larissa
-1 in Imathia
-2 in Pella
-1 in Serres.
The actual number of cases may be much higher than those recorded. It is estimated that for every case of infection with there are approximately 140 people infected with the virus who exhibit only mild symptoms or are asymptomatic EODY said.
West Nile virus now causes outbreaks almost annually in Europe, and its neighbouring regions, and this year cases were reported in Italy and Hungary. Between 2017-2022 the West Nile virus caused hundreds of infections in Greece mainly during summer.
The annual appearance of the West Nile virus over the last decade suggests the virus has established itself in Greece.
West Nile Virus
The Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans and horses. While authorities recommend wearing long sleeves and pants that is difficult in Greek summer. Attempts at controlling the mosquitos through surveillance, pesticides, and the reduction of mosquito habitats, is carried out in May, before summer hits.
