Greece: Mosquito control efforts expanded in Athens following surge in West Nile virus cases.

SHOTLIST: ATHENS, GREECE (SEP. 01, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF DISINFECTION PREPARATION 2. VARIOUS OF PERSONNEL DISINFECTING AREA AROUND ATHENS OLYMPIC STADIUM 3. EXTERIOR OF ATHENS OLYMPIC STADIUMATHENS, GREECE - SEPTEMBER 01: Mosquito control efforts continued in the Greek capital on Tuesday, Sept. 1, following a surge in West Nile virus cases across the surrounding Attica region. Crews from the Attica Regional Administration carried out targeted spraying in and around the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) during the morning hours. Officials said the operations in OAKA’s open areas aim to reduce mosquito populations and limit the risk of viral transmission. The regional government expanded its mosquito control program after public health monitors reported intense viral activity in the capital area this transmission season. In coordination with local municipalities, specialized crews are conducting periodic spraying across public parks, green spaces, residential zones, and sites with stagnant water. Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) warned that West Nile virus infections this year are concentrated heavily in the Attica region. Health officials noted that case numbers in Attica are significantly higher than during the same period in previous years, prompting emergency adulticide and larvicide interventions across urban and natural breeding grounds. On Aug. 27, Greece reported 232 locally acquired West Nile virus cases and 19 related deaths during the 2026 transmission season.