West Nile virus infections in Greece have increased compared with the same period last year, with 42 cases confirmed so far in 2026, although experts say the outbreak remains well below the levels recorded in 2018.
According to the National Public Health Organization (EODY), 21 new cases were reported over the past week, bringing the total to 42. Four people, all over the age of 65, have died from the mosquito-borne virus this year.
For most people, the risk remains low, but anyone living in or travelling to an affected area should take basic precautions to avoid mosquito bites and be aware of the signs of severe illness in case they or someone close to them falls ill, according to the World Health Organization.
The highest number of infections has been recorded in the municipality of Spata-Artemida, east of Athens, with nine cases, followed by Pallini in northeastern Athens and Markopoulo southeast of the capital, with four cases each.
EODY has also designated several municipalities and central Athens neighborhoods as high-risk areas despite no confirmed infections there this season. These include Marousi, Halandri, Filothei-Psychiko, Rafina-Pikermi, and central districts such as Plaka, Kolonaki, Monastiraki, Thissio, Omonia, Petralona, Kolonos, Sepolia and Kato Patissia.
