WEst Nile Fever in Greece

So far this year (2025), 47 people were infected with West Nile virus acquired from locally infected mosquitoes. Of thes, two elderly patients died from their infections. The majority of the cases had the more severe manifestation of this infectious disease. Health officials have noted that the actual number of infected people in the community may be higher since people with mild infections may not be reported.

Advice

Travellers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be in areas with a lot of mosquitoes are at increased risk of exposure to West Nile Virus. The risk of exposure for the general traveller is quite low. However, in a small number of infected people, West Nile virus can cause serious neurological illness, including death. Since there is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile fever, travellers to areas where this virus has been found can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.