West Nile Virus: Dangerous Neurological Symptoms and Rising Concern in Attica

The warning around West Nile virus in Attica concerns not a sharp rise in mosquito numbers, but a higher share of infected insects. Greek health authorities have begun preventive and monitoring measures in Attica and other parts of the country.

In Alimos, authorities are carrying out systematic spraying and placing special traps to attract and capture mosquitoes for scientific analysis. The measures aim to monitor the insect population and identify infection levels.

Theodoros Vasilakopoulos, president of Greece’s National Public Health Organization, said mosquito numbers had increased only slightly because of weather conditions. He attributed the higher infection rate partly to increased movement of migratory birds, which can carry the virus. He said such bird movements become more frequent every seven to eight years and may bring larger quantities of the virus, depending on the birds’ immunity.

The peak in cases is expected in August, with a decline forecast from September through October. West Nile virus does not spread from person to person, and people who recover develop immunity.

A patient, Konstantinos Chakas, described a severe illness that required 11 days in hospital. He said the symptoms began with abdominal discomfort and later worsened, followed within a week by confusion and difficulty responding to conversations and questions. His wife contacted a doctor and emergency services, who advised immediate hospital treatment. About 80% of infected people have no symptoms, while fewer than 1% develop serious neurological complications. Older people face particular risk.

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I did not respond to conversations or questions she asked me.