Alarm in Greece as West Nile Virus Cases Surge Sharply

Greek medical authorities report a significant surge in West Nile virus infections, with 45 new cases in a single week and nine deaths recorded since the start of the season.

Surge in West Nile Virus Cases

Greek medical authorities have recorded a significant increase in the number of West Nile virus (WNV) infections. In the past week up to August 12, 45 new cases were reported, as the Ekathimerini portal stated on Thursday. Since the beginning of the current season, 110 people have fallen ill, compared to 26 in the entire previous year.

In Greece, nine people have died since the beginning of the season, all of whom were over 65 years of age. Severe symptoms of the central nervous system (CNS) occurred in 81 patients, the portal reported. A slightly better situation was found in 29 individuals who experienced mild symptoms or showed no CNS involvement.

European Health Warnings and Spread

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported in a bulletin that by the end of July, infections had occurred in seven countries: Italy, Greece, Spain, Macedonia, Romania, France, and Germany. The ECDC emphasized that further cases should be expected in the coming weeks. In previous years, the transmission peak typically fell in August and September.

Transmission and Characteristics of the Virus

West Nile fever is a viral disease. The largest reservoir of this pathogen is birds. Humans do not catch it directly from one another, but through a mosquito bite. It was also confirmed that the virus can be transmitted during organ transplants, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy, as reported by the Voivodeship Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Poznań.

It is estimated that about 80 percent of WNV infections are asymptomatic. Meanwhile, individuals who develop symptoms complain of fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness. In severe forms of the infection, encephalitis or meningitis occurs.

Endemic Regions and Prevention

The endemic areas of WNV are Africa, North America, Australia, and Southern Europe, but in recent years the virus has been expanding its range to other temperate zone countries. For several years, human and equine cases have been recorded in Europe.

Infection can be prevented by using anti-mosquito measures such as repellents, window screens, and mosquito nets. Complications occur most frequently in elderly people and those suffering from chronic illnesses.