Greece faces rising West Nile virus activity as health authorities warn of further spread
As of August 12, a total of 110 West Nile virus infections had been recorded across Greece, according to data cited by the Athens Medical Association. Of these, 81 cases involved neurological symptoms affecting the central nervous system, while 29 resulted in milder clinical manifestations.
The cases have been identified across 39 municipalities and 14 regional units in Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia and the Peloponnese.
45 new cases reported in one week
Data from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) show that 45 new locally acquired cases were recorded during the latest reporting week, highlighting the rapid increase in West Nile virus activity during August.
The development has raised particular concern in Attica, where the Athens Medical Association (ISA) is calling for stronger mosquito-control and prevention measures.
The association said the current epidemiological picture raises questions about the adequacy, timing and effectiveness of mosquito-control programs implemented in Attica.
Medical association calls for earlier mosquito control
The Athens Medical Association stressed that controlling West Nile virus cannot rely on isolated spraying campaigns or interventions that intensify only after virus circulation and human cases have already been detected.
According to the association, mosquito-control operations should begin early in the year, with systematic larvicidal treatments targeting mosquito breeding sites before larvae develop into adult mosquitoes.
The ISA is calling for an integrated mosquito-management strategy based on early intervention, systematic entomological surveillance and rapid adaptation to epidemiological developments.
Prevention efforts urged before peak transmission
The Athens Medical Association said timely and coordinated prevention by state authorities remains the most important barrier against the spread of West Nile virus.
It warned that when mosquito-control programs are not implemented early, systematically and with sufficient coordination, a greater share of the responsibility for protection inevitably falls on individuals and personal preventive measures.
With transmission accelerating during August, authorities are facing growing pressure to strengthen mosquito surveillance and control measures as Greece moves through a period of heightened West Nile virus activity.
