First West Nile virus case of 2024 confirmed in Greece

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) announced the first case of West Nile virus in Greece this summer on Friday, noting that the virus has appeared almost annually in the country over the last 15 years, necessitating individual mosquito protection measures.

Especially this year, EODY anticipates that due to the moderate winter temperatures, the circulation of the virus may be intense.

It said the case's possible place of exposure is the municipality of Larissa.

The West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes which have been infected by mainly wild birds. Humans who become infected do not further transmit the virus to other mosquitoes or people.