The spread of West Nile virus — a mosquito-borne disease transmitted primarily by infected mosquitoes — in Greece is showing an upward trend, according to the National Public Health Organisation.
During the past week, 23 new cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported. In total, from the start of the transmission season in spring up to 5 August, 65 cases have been recorded, 54 of which presented severe neurological manifestations, such as encephalitis, meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis. 11 cases had mild or no symptoms affecting the central nervous system. To date, six deaths have been reported, all in patients over 65 with severe involvement of the central nervous system.
