Greece Is Having Its Worst West Nile Virus Season Since 2018, What UK Holidaymakers Should Know

What happened, why it matters, and what to know

Greece is in the middle of its most serious West Nile virus season in seven years. According to Greece's National Public Health Organisation (EODY), reported by ProtoThema English on 24 August 2026, 157 confirmed cases and 13 deaths had been recorded by 19 August 2026, compared with only 96 cases and 9 deaths across the whole of 2025. Of the confirmed cases, 116 involved complications affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis, while 41 were milder or showed no symptoms. Every death recorded so far has been in someone over 65, with a median age of 82. The Attica region, including Athens and its suburbs, is the epicentre, with cases also confirmed in Thessaly, Central Macedonia and the Peloponnese. EODY points to a mild winter followed by heavy spring and summer rainfall creating ideal breeding conditions for the Culex mosquitoes that spread the virus, alongside fluctuating immunity in the wild bird populations that also carry it. Why this matters: Greece remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers. West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites, not person to person, so there's no risk from being near someone infected, and it doesn't stop you enjoying a Greek holiday. But because the virus is circulating at unusually high levels this year, and most affected areas including Athens are places UK tourists visit, it's worth knowing the basics before travelling. This matters most for older travellers and anyone with a weakened immune system, since almost all deaths and serious complications have been in people over 65. What the evidence says: around 80% of people bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms at all, according to established public health data. Most of the rest develop a short, mild flu-like illness. Severe disease affecting the brain or nervous system is rare and occurs mostly in older adults, consistent with this year's pattern. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for West Nile virus in humans - care for severe cases is supportive. TravelHealthPro currently classifies advice for Greece as 'take usual precautions', meaning standard mosquito-bite avoidance rather than any restriction on travel. Qurexa perspective: if you or someone you're travelling with takes regular medication that suppresses the immune system - for example following an organ transplant, during chemotherapy, or for a condition like rheumatoid arthritis - it's worth being a little more cautious about mosquito bites and mentioning your travel plans to your GP or pharmacist beforehand. It's also sensible groundwork for any trip: check you have enough of your regular repeat prescription to cover the whole holiday, plus a few extra days in case of delays getting home. Running short of essential medication abroad is stressful and can be difficult to resolve quickly in a foreign pharmacy system. Practical advice: cover up with loose, long-sleeved clothing in the early morning and evening, when Culex mosquitoes are most active. Use an insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET (or a comparable alternative such as picaridin) on exposed skin, and reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating. If your accommodation lacks air conditioning or fitted screens, consider a plug-in repellent or a mosquito net over the bed. There's no vaccine, so bite prevention is the only defence. If you develop a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion or muscle weakness during or shortly after a trip to Greece, seek medical attention promptly and mention your travel history. Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace official travel health advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered travel health clinic. Sources: ProtoThema English, "West Nile virus cases and deaths in Greece hit seven-year high" (24 Aug 2026); NaTHNaC / TravelHealthPro, Greece country page (20 Aug 2026); Euronews, "West Nile virus: 21 cases in Greece as it spreads across Europe" (23 Jul 2026).