EODY raises alarm over West Nile virus spread – Protection measures

On the occasion of World Mosquito Day (20 August 2026), the National Public Health Organization (EODY) is once again warning that extremely intense circulation of the West Nile virus is being recorded during the current 2026 transmission season in specific areas of the country, and recommends consistently taking measures to protect against mosquitoes.

The number of cases has far exceeded the corresponding figures recorded in previous years at this point in the season.

Cases of West Nile virus infection have so far been recorded in the regions of Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese and Central Greece. In Attica in particular, the number of cases recorded during the current transmission season is significantly higher compared with previous years.

Given that the number of cases usually peaks between mid-August and early September each year, an even greater increase in infections is expected in the coming weeks.

EODY therefore once again stresses the need to protect yourself consistently against mosquitoes:

• Use approved insect repellents for the body and indoor areas, in accordance with the instructions for use, as well as window and door screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners/fans and appropriate clothing that covers the skin.
• Do not allow stagnant water to accumulate anywhere. Regularly and carefully check yards, gardens, verandas, rooftops, balconies, fields and plots of land for standing water and eliminate any such sources.
• Any objects that collect water should be turned upside down, covered, or have their water replaced at least once a week.
• Cover cesspit ventilation pipes with mesh screens.

Further information on recommended personal protection measures against mosquitoes is available on EODY’s website.

Older people and individuals who are immunocompromised or have chronic underlying health conditions are at greater risk of developing severe illness and should therefore protect themselves against mosquito bites with particular care and consistency.

EODY’s weekly surveillance reports, published every Wednesday, provide information on the municipalities where human cases have already been recorded during the current transmission season and where the virus is therefore known to be circulating among mosquitoes. However, it is not possible to reliably predict the areas in which the virus will circulate over the coming weeks.

For this reason, EODY recommends taking personal protection measures against mosquitoes throughout the country for the entire period during which mosquitoes are active.