West Nile virus surge in Greece: 232 cases and 19 deaths reported

West Nile virus Greece epidemic mosquito control neuro-invasive disease rapid diagnostic test

Greece is experiencing a significant surge in West Nile virus cases, with 232 domestic infections and 19 deaths reported as of August 26. The outbreak has been identified in 61 municipalities across five regions, with the Attica region being the most heavily affected, containing 37 identified municipalities.

Of the recorded cases, 165 patients have developed central nervous system complications, including meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. A 13-year-old child has been identified as the youngest patient to present with such severe neurological complications. Currently, 73 patients remain hospitalized, with 26 in intensive care units.

In response, the Attica Region has launched an emergency action plan, including large-scale ground spraying of approximately 10,000 acres in Eastern Attica to control mosquito populations. Health officials, including EODY President Theodoros Vasilakopoulos, expect the surge to continue until mid-September.

Simultaneously, a research team led by Professor Maria Gazouli at the University of Athens is developing a rapid diagnostic test using nanotechnology. The test aims to provide results from a single drop of blood in less than an hour and is expected to be available on the market in approximately three years. The research program includes international collaboration with Italy, Spain, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Brazil.

In Italy, 432 confirmed cases and 17 deaths have been reported since the start of surveillance, with the virus circulating in 66 provinces across 17 regions.

Entities

Attica · EODY · Greece · Italy · Maria Gazouli · National Public Health Organization · National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · Theodoros Vasilakopoulos · University of Athens

Claims

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

[● 2 SOURCES] 73 patients are currently hospitalized, with 26 in intensive care units. www.espressonews.gr · www.irafina.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] A total of 19 deaths have been attributed to the virus in Greece. www.espressonews.gr · www.irafina.gr · www.in.gr · www.protothema.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Mosquito spraying efforts by regional authorities have increased by 30% compared to last year. www.cnn.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] The virus has been identified in 61 municipalities across Greece, with 37 located in the Attica region. www.espressonews.gr · www.irafina.gr · www.larissapress.gr · healthdaily.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] EODY President Theodoros Vasilakopoulos expects the surge in West Nile virus cases to continue until mid-September. best-tv.gr · www.cnn.gr · healthdaily.gr · www.espressonews.gr · healthmag.gr · +1 more
[● 10 SOURCES] 165 patients have presented with central nervous system complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis. www.espressonews.gr · www.irafina.gr · www.in.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.larissapress.gr · +3 more
[DISPUTED] Greece has recorded 232 domestic West Nile virus cases as of August 26. www.espressonews.gr · www.in.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.larissapress.gr · www.irafina.gr · +8 more
[● 6 SOURCES] A 13-year-old child has become the youngest patient to present with central nervous system complications from the virus. www.espressonews.gr · www.irafina.gr · www.in.gr · www.larissapress.gr · www.tokarfi.gr
[DISPUTED] Of the 232 cases recorded, 165 patients exhibited Central Nervous System complications. www.in.gr · www.espressonews.gr · www.larissapress.gr · www.irafina.gr · www.protothema.gr · +7 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The rapid test is expected to be available in approximately three years. www.in.gr · www.tokarfi.gr · www.dnews.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The research program for the rapid test includes participants from Greece, Italy, Spain, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Brazil. www.in.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] 73 patients are currently hospitalized, with 26 in serious condition in intensive care units. www.zougla.gr · www.espressonews.gr · www.larissapress.gr · www.irafina.gr · healthdaily.gr