West Nile virus cases rise across Greece and North Macedonia
West Nile virus infections are rising sharply across Greece and neighboring North Macedonia, with health authorities reporting dozens of new cases and multiple deaths during the summer.
In Greece, 47 new locally acquired cases and four additional deaths were recorded over the past week, bringing the total number of cases reported since the beginning of the 2026 season to 157.
According to the latest weekly report from the National Public Health Organization (EODY), 13 people have died after developing serious central nervous system complications linked to the virus.
Most severe cases affect nervous system
Of the 157 locally acquired infections recorded in Greece through Aug. 19, 116 involved central nervous system symptoms, including encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis.
Another 41 patients experienced mild symptoms or no central nervous system involvement.
The four latest deaths bring the total number of fatalities to 13. All of those who died were over 65, with a median age of 82 and ages ranging from 66 to 91.
New cases reported in Attica and Imathia
The latest Greek cases were identified in the municipalities of Dionysos, Kallithea and Petroupoli in the Attica region, as well as Alexandria in Imathia.
One additional infection was diagnosed in a patient with a complex travel history that included time in an endemic country. Because the location where the infection was acquired remains unclear, the case was not included in the analysis of locally acquired infections.
North Macedonia also sees sharp increase
North Macedonia has recorded 35 confirmed West Nile virus cases this summer, with four deaths reported so far, according to state broadcaster ERT.
Most cases have been reported around the capital, Skopje. Authorities said most patients are over 60, with several developing serious complications including encephalitis and meningitis.
Only eight cases had been confirmed by the end of July, before infections increased sharply in recent weeks.
Health authorities urge mosquito protection
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Authorities in North Macedonia have urged residents to use insect repellent and take precautions to reduce mosquito exposure, particularly at night.
The rise in infections across Greece and North Macedonia highlights the continued risk posed by mosquito-borne disease during the summer season.
