West Nile virus circulation in Greece is particularly intense this year, with Attica accounting for the largest share of cases. The burden is also increasing in Thessaly and Central Macedonia as the Hellenic National Public Health Organisation (EODY) expects new cases in the coming weeks.
According to the EODY's latest weekly report, with data up to 2 September, 290 domestically acquired West Nile virus infections have been diagnosed and reported since the start of the current transmission season. In the past week alone, 58 new cases were added, indicating that transmission remains at high levels.
Of the 290 cases, 199 had neurological symptoms affecting the central nervous system (CNS), including encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis. The remaining 91 patients had milder symptoms or no CNS involvement. The median age of patients who developed central nervous system manifestations is 74 years.
As of 2 September,24 deaths had been recorded, all in people over the age of 65. The median age of those who died was 83.
Pressure on hospitals remains significant. A total of 63 patients were in hospital, 32 in intensive care units and 31 in ordinary wards, while 182 patients had already been discharged.
