Greece recorded 110 domestically acquired West Nile virus cases by August 12, 2026, with 81 severe central nervous system manifestations and nine fatalities. Attica remains the epicentre of this season’s viral activity, driven by weather conditions that have accelerated mosquito population growth across multiple municipalities.
West Nile Virus Surge Grips Greece as Attica Becomes Epicentre
The epidemiological picture of the West Nile virus in Greece has deteriorated significantly over the summer of 2026, according to data from the National Public Health Organization of Greece (EODY). Up to August 12, 2026, health authorities logged a total of 110 domestically acquired infections.
The outbreak is part of a broader European circulation pattern. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Greece and Italy are the two European countries experiencing the most extensive spread of the virus this season. The ECDC notes that human cases have also been confirmed in Romania, France, North Macedonia, Spain, and Germany.
Professor Theodoros Vasilakopolous, President of EODY and Professor of Pulmonology and Intensive Care, explained on the television program Koinonia Ora MEGA
that the virus has been endemic in Greece since 2010. Common mosquitoes contract the virus from wild birds, making total elimination practically impossible without eradicating mosquito populations entirely.
“Because the meteorological conditions that prevailed in Attica clearly favored greater mosquito population growth in the region. There is no other particular reason.”
Professor Theodoros Vasilakopolous, President of EODY and Professor of Pulmonology and Intensive Care
Severe Neurological Manifestations and Patient Demographics
Of the 110 confirmed cases recorded by August 12, 2026, a substantial majority—81 patients—presented with severe central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, including encephalitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. The remaining 29 cases involved milder symptoms or no CNS impact.
The seriousness of the virus is concentrated heavily among older adults. All nine recorded deaths occurred in patients over the age of 65. Fatalities involved a median age of 82 years, with an age range spanning from 66 to 91 years.
Hospital admissions remain high. By mid-August, 35 patients were receiving hospital care, with 19 in ordinary wards and 16 in Intensive Care Units. Meanwhile, 61 patients had been discharged, and five required no hospitalisation.
Hidden Spread and Seroepidemiological Estimates
Public health officials emphasize that laboratory-confirmed figures capture only a fraction of total infections. EODY points to a 2010 seroepidemiological study showing that for every single reported case with CNS involvement, approximately 140 individuals are infected but remain asymptomatic or develop only mild symptoms.
Municipalities at Risk Across Attica and Regional Greece
Viral activity spans 39 municipalities across 14 regional units and four administrative regions: Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and the Peloponnese. Attica bears the heaviest burden, with active transmission recorded across East Attica, the North, West, Central, and South Sectors of Athens, and Piraeus.
- Spata-Artemida: 13 cases
- Markopoulo Mesogaias: 11 cases
- Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni: 7 cases
- Agia Paraskevi: 6 cases
- Pallini: 5 cases
In addition to these affected areas, EODY has designated several municipalities as high-risk zones, including Kifisia, Iraklio, Filothei-Psychiko, Metamorfosi, Kallithea, Nea Smyrni, Nea Filadelfeia-Nea Chalkidona, Dafni-Ymittos, Amfipoli, Heroic City of Naousa, and Delta.
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