Greece reports surge in West Nile virus with 110 cases and 9 deaths

West Nile virus epidemic Greece neurological complications EODY

Greece is experiencing a significant surge in West Nile virus cases. According to the National Public Health Organization (EODY), 110 local infections have been recorded since the start of the 2026 period through August 12. This includes 45 new cases reported in the last week alone.

Of the 110 confirmed cases, 81 individuals have developed serious central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis or meningitis. Nine deaths have been recorded, all involving patients over the age of 65. Currently, 35 patients are hospitalized, with 16 in intensive care units.

The virus is most prevalent in the Attica region, with cases identified across 39 municipalities and 14 regional units, including Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and the Peloponnese. Epidemiologist Theodora Psaltopoulou has warned that the death toll may increase significantly, noting that current infection levels already match figures seen much later in previous years. The ECDC identifies Greece and Italy as having the highest spread of the virus in Europe.

Entities

Attica · Crete · ECDC · EODY · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Frontex · Greece · Greek Coast Guard · Heraklion · Italy · Joint Rescue Coordination Center · National Public Health Organization

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] A total of approximately 327 migrants were rescued across several operations in the maritime area south of Crete.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (EKSEΔ) coordinated multiple rescue operations south of Crete.
[● 2 SOURCES] Rescued individuals were transported to ports including Kaloi Limenes, Heraklion, and Agia Galini.
[● 2 SOURCES] One specific rescue operation involved 66 individuals, including 20 minors.
[● 2 SOURCES] An initial wave of five operations resulted in the rescue of approximately 240 migrants.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Greek Coast Guard conducted several rescue operations using patrol boats.
[● 3 SOURCES] Frontex aerial assets and vessels participated in detecting and rescuing migrants.
[DISPUTED] Of the recorded West Nile virus cases, 81 individuals presented serious central nervous system manifestations. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.flash.gr · www.ekriti.gr · www.capital.gr · www.iatronet.gr · +8 more
[DISPUTED] Greece has recorded 110 West Nile virus cases from the start of the 2026 period until August 12. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.flash.gr · www.ekriti.gr · www.capital.gr · www.iatronet.gr · +8 more
[DISPUTED] Nine deaths related to the West Nile virus have been recorded in Greece, all involving patients over the age of 65. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.dimokratia.gr · www.flash.gr · www.ekriti.gr · www.capital.gr · +8 more
[● 12 SOURCES] 45 new domestic cases of West Nile virus were reported in the last week. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.flash.gr · www.capital.gr · www.ekriti.gr · www.iatronet.gr · +7 more
[● 2 SOURCES] According to the ECDC, Greece and Italy are experiencing the highest spread of West Nile virus in Europe. www.dimokratia.gr · pelop.gr