West Nile virus in Europe: a threat and recommendations

Sunday, Sep 6, 2026

Delfi

West Nile virus cases remain high in Greece, with increased risk across Europe; prevention is key.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

West Nile virus circulation remains high in Greece, with 290 infections recorded since the start of the season, including 199 cases with central nervous system symptoms. In the past week, 58 new local cases and 5 deaths were reported. Since the beginning of 2026 until September 2nd, the virus has claimed 24 lives in Greece. The National Public Health Organization notes intense spread in the Attica region, which accounts for over half of all cases. The virus is spread by Culex mosquitoes, which pick it up from infected birds, and it does not transmit directly from person to person or animal to person. Symptoms can range from none to severe neuroinvasive forms, with older and immunocompromised individuals at higher risk. Since there is no vaccine, prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating standing water. The virus is also spreading in other European countries, with Italy having the most cases. Although no cases have been reported in Lithuania, monitoring is planned due to the virus’s spread across Europe.

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