West Nile fever in Greece breaks record: 324 cases, 30 deaths, half of infections in Attica

Greece records largest outbreak on record West Nile virus: 324 local cases and 30 deaths. The situation is especially difficult in Attica, which accounts for more than half of the infections.

According to the latest report ΕΟΔΥ – National Public Health Organization of Greeceby September 9, confirmed in the country 324 cases infection with West Nile virus acquired directly in Greece.

This is already higher than the previous historical maximum – 317 cases in 2018.

30 people died

More registered in the last week 34 new cases and six deaths. The total number of deaths has reached 30 people.

All those who died were over 65 years of age.

Of the total number of cases:

• 217 suffered damage to the central nervous system;
• 68 remain in hospitals;
• 32 are in intensive care units.

Severe forms include encephalitis, meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis.

Epicenter – Attica

A particularly serious situation has developed in the Attica region, where approximately 56.8% of all cases.

Previously, increased virus activity was noted primarily in:

• Eastern Attica;
• northern suburbs of Athens;
• Spata-Artemis areas;
• Markopoulo;
• Vari–Vula–Vouliagmeni.

The virus has already been reported in dozens of municipalities across the country, including the regions of Central Macedonia, Thessaly, Peloponnese, Central Greece and Crete.

There are significantly more real infections

The number 324 reflects only diagnosed cases.

According to ΕΟΔΥ, most infected people either have no symptoms at all or tolerate the disease easily. Severe neurological manifestations occur in less than 1% of those infected.

This means that the actual number of people exposed to the virus may be many times higher than official statistics.

How the virus is transmitted

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Man practically does not participate in the further spread of infection: the main natural cycle takes place between birds and mosquitoes.

The following are at particularly high risk of severe illness:

• people over 50–65 years old;
• patients with chronic diseases;
• people with weakened immune systems.

What symptoms should you be wary of?

Most infected people have no symptoms. In mild cases, the following may appear:

• temperature;
• headache;
• weakness;
• muscle pain;
• nausea;
• rash.

Reasons for urgently seeking medical help are:

• severe headache;
• neck stiffness;
• confusion;
• convulsions;
• severe muscle weakness.

ΕΟΔΥ warns: the season is not over yet

Despite signs of the peak passing, experts warn that new cases may not be recorded until at least mid-October.

ΕΟΔΥ recommends:

• use repellents;
• install mosquito nets;
• wear closed clothes in the evening;
• do not leave standing water in pots, buckets and containers;
• Protect the elderly with particular care.

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