Spread of West Nile Fever in Europe

A total of 27 deaths and 180 cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection have been diagnosed and investigated in Greece up until September 18, according to an epidemiological report released on Thursday by Greece's National Public Health Organization (EODY).

According to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY), eight more deaths from the West Nile virus occurred between September 4 and 11, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 25.

All the patients who died were over 60 years old, with the median age of the deceased being 80 years.

According to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY), 21 new cases of West Nile virus were reported, along with two deaths, during the week of August 7-14.

This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in Greece in 2024 to 76. Additionally, the total number of recorded deaths has risen to 10.

This year's warm winter could lead to an early start to the West Nile virus circulation period, health experts warn.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) stressed the need for precautionary measures against mosquitoes to reduce the risk of infection by the West Nile virus, which, as it stated, is expected to recirculate this summer.