The first case of West Nile virus infection for 2026 has been recorded in Greece, the National Public Health Organisation (EODY) announced Thursday.
The case involves a patient over the age of 60 who developed meningoencephalitis, with symptoms beginning in late June. The most likely place of exposure was identified as the Regional Unit of North Athens, specifically the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi.
EODY noted that cases of West Nile virus infection are recorded annually in many countries around the world, including numerous European countries, during the summer and autumn months.
Since 2010, cases have also been reported in Greece on an annual basis, making the re-emergence of infections during each transmission season an expected occurrence.
The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Infected humans do not transmit the virus further to other mosquitoes or people through direct contact.
