Greece West Nile virus cases top 450

In a follow-up on the West Nile virus (WNV) situation in Greece, from the beginning of the year through October 22, the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) reported a total of four hundred and fifty-three (453) locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infection. Of these, two hundred and eighty-three (283) cases presented with manifestations involving the Central Nervous System (CNS)—such as encephalitis, meningitis, and/or acute flaccid paralysis—while one hundred and seventy (170) cases presented with mild or no CNS manifestations.

In total, during 2026—up to October 22—fifty-one (51) deaths have been recorded among patients infected with the virus who were over 35 years of age (median age of the deceased: 82 years; range: 36–92 years). The younger patients who died had a history of severe immunosuppression.