Greece Reports 10 Deaths from West Nile Virus in 2024

Greece has recorded 10 fatalities due to the West Nile virus so far this year, according to a report from the National Public Health Organisation (EODY) on Wednesday.

Since the start of the 2024 season, a total of 76 domestic cases have been confirmed in the country.

Of those affected, 57 patients exhibited severe symptoms, including effects on the central nervous system, while 19 cases presented mild or no symptoms. All 10 deaths involved individuals over the age of 60.

In the past week alone, Greece identified 21 new domestic cases of the virus. Additionally, two cases were reported in individuals who contracted the virus before travelling to Greece.

The West Nile virus has been detected in several regions across the country, including Larissa, Karditsa, Lefkada, Chalkidiki, Pella, Serres, Kilkis, Imathia, Achaia, Thesprotia, Athens’ southern sector, Argolid, Rodopi, and metropolitan Thessaloniki.

The virus has become a recurring public health issue in Greece and other European nations, including Austria, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia, and Spain, where cases have emerged nearly every year for the past decade.

Πηγή: GCT–Charlie Komalenko