Public health authorities in Greece have confirmed six fatalities linked to West Nile virus infections since the beginning of the year, prompting urgent calls from medical professionals for intensified vector control operations. According to data released by the National Public Health Organization (EODY), a total of 65 cases have been documented nationwide up to August 5, with all deceased individuals aged 65 or older.
The Athens Medical Association issued a formal written statement urging authorities to scale up systematic mosquito eradication efforts, highlighting the Attica region as a primary zone of concern due to concentrated case numbers and reported deaths. European health monitoring data indicates that Greece currently records the second-highest volume of West Nile virus infections across the European continent, trailing only Italy.
Public health officials emphasize that vector management requires continuous, scientifically planned interventions focused primarily on breeding sites before seasonal mosquito populations surge. The recent rise in infections across Attica has intensified public scrutiny regarding the adequacy and timeliness of current preventative measures deployed by authorities.
Public Health Response and Regional Impact in Attica
The Athens Medical Association stressed that mosquito control programs must operate on a continuous schedule rather than reactive bursts. According to the association’s public briefing, authorities in Attica need to deploy targeted interventions across breeding sites immediately to suppress vector hatching rates.
Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) places Greece as the second country with the most West Nile virus cases in Europe. During the same period last year, by August, EODY recorded 35 cases, while the full 12-month period of the previous year concluded with 96 confirmed infections and 10 virus-related deaths.
Preventative Measures and Official Guidance
Public health agencies continue to urge individuals to adopt personal protection habits.
Authorities will release updated epidemiological surveillance figures as the late-summer vector season progresses. Readers seeking additional guidance or official health advisories can consult public updates through the National Public Health Organization (EODY) portal.