Greece's public health authorities reported a marked increase in West Nile virus infections on the date of August 13, 2026, as the country's total for the year reached 110 cases. Nine people had died, according to figures attributed to the National Public Health Organization, known as EODY.
The latest count included 45 infections recorded during the preceding week, indicating that a large share of the year's identified cases had emerged in a short period. EODY said 81 of the 110 patients developed serious complications involving the central nervous system. All nine people who died were older than 65.
The greater Athens area was experiencing especially intense infection activity, the agency said. Regional authorities were responding with expanded mosquito-control operations in and around the capital. Greater Athens Governor Nikos Hardalias said fumigation work was continuing across Athens and its outskirts and had been increased by 30 percent.
West Nile virus circulates through birds and is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1937 and is established across parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. Human infections in Europe occur mainly during mosquito season, which typically extends from late spring into autumn. Transmission usually reaches its highest level between July and September, placing Greece's August increase within the period of greatest seasonal risk.
Many infections can resemble influenza, but severe disease can affect the brain and surrounding tissues. Reported complications can include fever, tremors and coma, as well as encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of brain tissue. The virus can also cause meningitis. The high number of Greek patients with central nervous system complications showed that the reported burden extended beyond mild illness.
The World Health Organization had noted at the end of July that Greece recorded the largest recent increase in cases on the European continent. Infections had also been observed elsewhere in Europe, including Italy, Spain, North Macedonia and Romania, showing that the seasonal circulation was not confined to one country.
There is no approved vaccine for people and no treatment designed specifically to eliminate the virus, according to the WHO information cited in the report. Medical care therefore focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive hospital treatment when illness becomes severe. That limitation puts additional weight on mosquito control as authorities confront rising infections.
The August 13 figures offered a snapshot of an outbreak still unfolding during Europe's peak transmission window. With nearly three-quarters of Greece's reported patients experiencing serious neurological complications, the health impact was already substantial even before the mosquito season had ended. Authorities' expanded fumigation around the country's largest metropolitan area reflected the concentration of infections there and the need to curb further exposure.
