A total of 254 domestic cases of West Nile virus infection were diagnosed in Greece, of which 166 had central nervous system manifestations (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) and 88 had mild manifestations (e.g., febrile illness) / had no CNS manifestations, according to the weekly epidemiological report EODI. In the last week, from the previous weekly report until today, 19 new cases have been diagnosed/reported.

22 deaths were registered in patients with viral infection and CNS manifestations over the age of 61 years. The two additional deaths of patients diagnosed with West Nile virus infection were attributable to other serious comorbid health problems (not included in total deaths).

The emergence of cases of infection with the virus almost annually over the past decade indicates that the West Nile virus has settled in our country, as well as in other European countries. Therefore, it was considered possible and expected that incidents would recur in the current period of 2022, during the period of mosquito circulation, both in known and – possibly – in new areas, reports EODY.

Between 2022 and 09/27/2022, cases of West Nile virus infection were reported in Greece, in settlements in the metropolitan area of ​​Thessaloniki and in the regional units of Imathia, Kilkis, Pella, Pieria, Chalkidiki, Serres, Trikala, Larissa, Kavala , Drama and Phthiotis.

In the European Union and neighboring countries, in the period from 2022 to 09/21/2022, cases of infection with the ND virus were registered – in addition to our country – in: Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Spain and Serbia.

Epidemiological surveillance of the disease, the timely implementation of appropriate comprehensive mosquito control programs, and the adoption of individual mosquito protection measures are the most appropriate measures to control the disease, notes EODY.