Greece sees sharp rise in infectious diseases in 2024
Greece has reported a significant uptick in infectious diseases in 2024, with a total of 6,134 cases recorded, a 46.9% increase compared to 4,177 cases in 2023, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
The rise follows a steady increase from 3,563 cases in 2022, and marks a sharp rebound from the pandemic years, which saw unusually low numbers in 2021.
The largest increase was seen in influenza, which surged by 93.4%, reaching 2,305 cases in 2024, compared to 1,192 in the previous year.
Other notable increases included Campylobacter infections, which rose by 37.8% to 908 cases, and a sharp spike in whooping cough, with 440 cases reported, up from just 12 in 2023.
Meanwhile, measles cases reached 38, and salmonellosis rose by 12.4%. Tuberculosis cases, however, saw a 19.2% decline. ELSTAT noted that tuberculosis is closely monitored by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which aims to eliminate the disease by 2050.
West Nile virus infections increased by 35.8%, reaching 220 cases, concentrated primarily in the summer months. Influenza cases followed typical seasonal patterns, peaking in the winter months and declining in spring.
The rise in infectious diseases is a cause for concern as health authorities continue to monitor and respond to the growing trends.
