[REVISION HISTORY]

West Nile virus outbreak in Greece, North Macedonia, and IT

Updated 7 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-17 13:57 UTC → 2026-08-17 14:16 UTC · added ~~removed~~

West Nile virus outbreak in ~~Greece~~ Greece, North Macedonia, and IT

By mid-August 2026, the West Nile virus outbreak in Greece escalated to 110 domestic infections and nine deaths. A significant portion of the infected population, 81 individuals, presented with central nervous system complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. The geographic spread expanded to 39 municipalities, encompassing the Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and Morea regions. Health experts from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) attributed the rise to environmental factors, including rainfall, bird migration, and mosquito populations. They specifically noted that the 2025-2026 winter in Attica was the second warmest in 150 years, contributing to the current trends. There are warnings that if these patterns persist, 2026 could become a particularly challenging year for the virus. In North Macedonia, health officials reported 35 confirmed cases of West Nile fever, resulting in three deaths and six individuals in critical condition. While many patients are elderly, a 25-year-old has also been hospitalized with a neuroinvasive form of the disease. Health Minister Sasho Klevkoski noted that the virus is also appearing in border areas near Greece. The Ministry of Health has increased diagnostic capacity and is implementing epidemiological tracking and mosquito control measures in affected municipalities, including parts of Skopje. The Medical Association of Athens (ISA) has criticized the effectiveness of mosquito control programs in Attica. The association has called for an immediate escalation of preventive measures, advocating for systematic larvicidal treatments and improved coordination between local authorities and public health services. The outbreak has expanded significantly in Italy, where confirmed cases surged to 226, up from 141 the previous week. This Italian surge includes 102 neuro-invasive cases and seven deaths, with the virus detected across 55 provinces in 16 regions. Authorities continue to recommend personal protection, such as using insect repellent and removing standing water, to mitigate transmission risks.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.