Greece is experiencing a surge in West Nile virus infections and associated fatalities, according to the latest data from national health authorities.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that, based on the most recent assessment from the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY), 75 new cases of the virus were registered across the country between August 19 and August 26.
Officials confirmed that the total number of deaths attributed to the West Nile virus this year has risen to 19, following the six new fatalities recorded within the past week.
According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Greece currently ranks as the second most affected European nation, following Italy, in terms of West Nile virus prevalence.
Experts attribute the spread of the virus to the country's geographical location and prevailing climatic conditions. The mild weather patterns allow mosquitoes, which act as vectors for the virus, to remain active for extended periods. Furthermore, reports indicate that insufficient mosquito control measures in certain municipalities have exacerbated the epidemiological situation, complicating efforts to curb the transmission of the disease.
