West Nile virus cases rise in Greece

Smoke from wildfires burning in France and Spain has drifted across the Aegean Sea, reaching Greek skies at altitudes too high to pose a threat to public health, according to Greek authorities. State television cited satellite imagery and ground-based monitoring systems confirming the presence of smoke from fires in the Bordeaux region of France and other areas in Spain. The smoke, carried by strong upper-level winds, has traveled eastward toward the Mediterranean and Greece, though it remains at elevations exceeding two kilometers above sea level. The situation has prompted concerns among environmental scientists, who warn that the combination of wildfire smoke and an ongoing influx of Saharan dust could complicate air quality conditions. According to Vassilis Amiridis, head of research at the National Observatory of Athens, the smoke from the fires is being transported at high altitudes due to the intensity of the blazes. This allows it to travel long distances before dispersing. He emphasized that the smoke does not currently pose a health risk to the population, as it remains well above typical breathing zones. Meanwhile, a separate atmospheric phenomenon has intensified: a steady flow of Saharan dust has begun to move over Greece, starting on Monday and expected to reach peak concentrations by Tuesday. AtmoHub, Greece's atmospheric composition monitoring hub, reports that the dust is predominantly found at higher altitudes, with lower concentrations near the surface. Surface dust levels are projected to remain slightly elevated, reaching approximately 50 micrograms per cubic meter, particularly in regions such as the southern Peloponnese, including Laconia, Messenia, Achaia, and the Argolid. The dust transport is expected to persist until Wednesday, when changes in atmospheric circulation are anticipated. Regions likely to experience the greatest impact include Central Greece, Attica, the Peloponnese, Crete, the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese. While the dust itself poses no direct health hazard, its interaction with other airborne particles, such as wildfire smoke, could influence local weather patterns and visibility. In parallel, Greece is grappling with a rising incidence of West Nile virus infections. As of early 2026, 42 cases have been confirmed, marking an increase compared to the same period in 2025. The National Public Health Organization (EODY) reported 21 new cases within the past week, with four fatalities linked to the mosquito-borne disease. All deceased individuals were over the age of 65, highlighting the vulnerability of older populations to severe complications. The majority of infections have been concentrated in specific municipalities, notably Spata-Artemida, located east of Athens, where nine cases have been documented. Other hotspots include Pallini in northeastern Athens and Markopoulo southeast of the capital, each reporting four cases. EODY has also classified several areas, including central Athens neighborhoods and surrounding municipalities, as high-risk, even in the absence of confirmed infections. These designations are based on factors such as proximity to affected regions, geographic features, and historical data. Dr. Antonios Michailakis, leading the Laboratory of Insects and Parasites at the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, explained that the virus continues to exhibit unpredictable behavior. It primarily circulates between birds and mosquitoes, with human infections occurring incidentally. He clarified that the virus is not directly transmissible from person to person via mosquito bites but can be spread through blood transfusions, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe blood donation practices in affected areas. Research conducted by the Benaki Institute, the University of West Attica, and the University of Thessaly suggests that the common mosquito, rather than the more feared Asian tiger mosquito, is responsible for transmitting the virus. Climate trends, including milder winters, have contributed to the year-round activity of these mosquitoes, potentially prolonging the transmission season. Experts advise residents to eliminate standing water, use approved repellents, and rely on air conditioning or fans to minimize mosquito exposure.