West Nile virus cases reported in Dedeağaç, Rhodope and İskeçe
West Nile virus cases have been reported in additional municipalities across Thrace in northeastern Greece, with a new case identified in Alexandroupoli and further cases recorded in Rhodope and Xanthi, according to epidemiological surveillance reports from the National Public Health Organization (EODY).
The reports indicate that the virus continued to spread geographically during October, with infections recorded in the regional units of Meriç, Rhodope and İskeçe.
FOUR CASES REPORTED IN MERİÇ
According to EODY’s first October surveillance report, dated October 1, one additional case was identified in the Municipality of Alexandroupoli (Dedeağaç), bringing the total number of reported cases in the Meriç regional unit to four.
Of these, one had previously been reported in Alexandroupoli and two in Soufli. The latest case involved mild or no central nervous system (CNS) symptoms.
Among the four reported cases in Evros, only one — in the Soufli area — involved central nervous system symptoms, according to the report cited by local media.
CASES RECORDED IN RHODOPE AND İSKEÇE
The October 1 report also recorded a case in the Municipality of Iasmos (Yassıköy), in Rhodope, involving mild or no CNS symptoms. Rhodope had already recorded a case in the Municipality of Komotini (Gümülcine).
In EODY’s subsequent report, dated October 8, another case was recorded in the Municipality of Avdira, in the Xanthi (İskeçe) regional unit. The case was also classified as involving mild or no central nervous system symptoms.
The reports point to the presence of West Nile virus in multiple areas of Thrace. However, the cited information does not establish the total number of infections across the region or indicate whether the cases reflect locally acquired transmission in every municipality.
HEALTH AUTHORITIES CONTINUE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many infected people experience no symptoms, while others develop fever, headache, fatigue or muscle pain. In a small proportion of cases, the infection can cause serious neurological complications.
The figures cited in the local report are based on EODY’s surveillance updates published on October 1 and October 8, 2026. Further monitoring will be needed to establish how the situation develops across northeastern Greece.
