West Nile virus case confirmed in Meriç

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) announced ten new domestic cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in its weekly report on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Among them, one case was reported in Dedeağaç, Meriç. According to iatropedia.gr, the individual exhibited only mild symptoms.

Additionally, one imported case was recorded in a patient who had been exposed to the virus abroad, specifically in Serbia. No deaths related to the virus have been reported so far.

From the beginning of the year until July 30, a total of 17 domestic cases of WNV infection have been diagnosed and investigated in Greece, according to EODY. Of these, 14 cases involved symptoms affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. The remaining three cases were mild or asymptomatic regarding CNS involvement.

According to EODY’s epidemiological report, WNV infections have been detected in 15 municipalities across eight regional units in Greece: West Attica, Western Athens, Piraeus, Islands, East Attica, Ilia, Meriç, and Larissa.

EODY warns that more cases are likely in the coming weeks. Due to the complex nature of the virus's epidemiology—shaped by various environmental and biological factors—it is difficult to predict which areas will be affected in each transmission season. As a precaution, EODY strongly advises the public to adopt personal protective measures against mosquito bites throughout Greece for the duration of the mosquito season.

In the European Union and neighboring countries, confirmed WNV cases this year (as of July 23, 2025) have also been reported in Romania and Italy.