West Nile virus cases rise across Greece, Serbia, and North Macedonia

West Nile virus epidemic mosquito-borne disease public health EODY

West Nile virus cases are rising across Southeast Europe, with health authorities in Greece, Serbia, and North Macedonia monitoring the situation closely.

In Greece, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) has recorded 110 cases as of August 12, 2026. Of these, 81 patients exhibited Central Nervous System manifestations, while 29 experienced milder symptoms. Nine deaths have been reported, all involving individuals over the age of 65. The outbreak has been identified across 39 municipalities and 14 regional units, with Attica being a major focal point. EODY officials suggest that the current transmission period could be one of the most challenging in recent years, potentially influenced by an unusually warm winter in Attica.

In Serbia, the first three cases of the season have been confirmed in the Vojvodina region. Epidemiologists note that while most infections are asymptomatic, a small percentage can lead to severe clinical symptoms requiring hospitalization.

In North Macedonia, the total number of recorded cases has reached 34, with new cases detected in the Aracinovo area. Authorities have declared an epidemic in several Skopje municipalities, including Kisela Voda and Aerodrom, citing conditions favorable for mosquito breeding.

Entities

Attica · Danae Pervanidou · Danai Pervanidou · Greece · Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina · Medical Association of Athens · National Public Health Organization · North Macedonia · Serbia · Skopje Public Health Center · Vojvodina

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 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.capital.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.cnn.gr · www.larisanew.gr · +10 more
[DISPUTED] Greece has recorded 110 West Nile virus cases from the start of the 2026 period until August 12. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.capital.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.cnn.gr · www.larisanew.gr · +12 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.capital.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.cnn.gr · www.larisanew.gr · +11 more
[● 21 SOURCES] 45 new domestic cases of West Nile virus were reported in the last week. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.capital.gr · www.iatronet.gr · www.cnn.gr · www.larisanew.gr · +10 more
[● 4 SOURCES] According to the ECDC, Greece and Italy are experiencing the highest spread of West Nile virus in Europe. grtimes.gr · www.ygeiamou.gr