West Nile virus infections in Greece have increased sharply, with 75 new locally acquired cases reported in one week, bringing the total number of infections recorded during the 2026 transmission season to 232.

The latest figures from the National Public Health Organisation (EODY) show that 165 patients developed neurological complications affecting the central nervous system. These included conditions such as encephalitis, meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis.

Another 67 patients experienced milder illness or had no neurological symptoms. As of August 26, Greece had recorded 19 deaths linked to the virus. All of those who died were aged over 65.

Hospitals are also dealing with a significant number of patients. EODY reported that 73 people were receiving hospital treatment, including 26 in intensive care units and one in a high-dependency unit. A total of 124 patients have been discharged.

Attica sees major increase

The Attica region has emerged as the main centre of the outbreak, with authorities reporting particularly intense virus circulation compared with previous years.

Cases have been identified across 61 municipalities, 18 regional units and five regions: Attica, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese and Central Greece.

Eastern Attica has been among the hardest-hit areas. Spata-Artemida has recorded 17 cases, including 15 involving the central nervous system. Markopoulo Mesogaias has reported 13 cases, while infections have also been detected in Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Agia Paraskevi, Pallini and Halandri.

Thessaly has also experienced substantial transmission. Larissa has recorded 21 cases, with additional infections reported in Karditsa, Palamas, Sofades, Kileler, Tempi, Tyrnavos and Farsala.

Central Macedonia has reported infections in several areas, including parts of Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Pieria and Serres.

Authorities identify new risk areas

EODY has designated several additional municipalities as high-risk areas based on epidemiological and geographical factors, even though no human cases had been identified there at the time of assessment.

The areas include Heraklion of Attica, Nea Smyrni, Nea Filadelfia-Nea Chalkidona, Dafni-Ymittos, Amfipoli and Thasos.

Authorities have also detected signs of virus circulation among horses and other equidae. Recent infections were found in nine clusters across Eastern Attica, Western Athens, Drama, Preveza and the Thessaloniki metropolitan area.

EODY expects more cases to be identified in the coming weeks, both in areas already affected and in new locations. It also warned that recent figures could rise as diagnoses and official notifications can occur several days after symptoms begin.

The surge has placed Greece on heightened alert as health authorities continue monitoring the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

Eating disorders may have a stronger biological component than previously understood, with new research suggesting that genetic factors linked to binge eating and anorexia nervosa are distinct from those that influence body weight.

Researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet examined genetic information from thousands of people to investigate factors associated with eating disorder behaviours. Their findings suggest that these conditions cannot be explained solely by body image, weight or metabolism.

The study, published in Nature Mental Health, included nearly 40,000 people with binge-eating behaviour and about 25,000 people with anorexia nervosa. Researchers compared them with more than 1.2 million people without eating disorders.

The team identified genetic variations statistically associated with a greater likelihood of developing the conditions. Six genetic markers were linked to binge eating, while eight were associated with anorexia nervosa. Two of the markers connected to anorexia had not previously been identified.

Lu Yi, principal researcher at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said the findings showed that eating disorders were not simply related to body weight.

The researchers noted that many genetic variants associated with eating disorders differ from those that influence how much a person weighs. This points to a more complicated biological basis for the conditions.

Scientists can combine the effects of multiple genetic markers to produce what is known as a polygenic risk score. Such a score reflects the number and strength of genetic variants associated with a particular condition.

However, the researchers stressed that these genetic markers remain weak predictors when used on their own. Other biological, psychological and environmental factors would need to be considered when assessing an individual’s risk.

The study also identified links between genetic markers associated with eating disorders and other health and behavioural characteristics.

Some genetic markers connected to binge eating were also associated with traits involving impulse control, including smoking and risk-taking behaviour. They were also linked to higher body mass index and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Anorexia-related markers showed stronger genetic associations with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The researchers said these differences suggest that binge eating and anorexia nervosa may involve partly separate biological mechanisms, even though both are classified as eating disorders.

Lisa Dinkler, an assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet, said the findings could eventually contribute to more targeted treatment approaches based on the specific characteristics of different eating disorders.

Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide and are associated with serious risks to physical and mental health. They commonly involve disturbed eating patterns, intense concerns about food, weight or body shape, and significant effects on daily functioning.

Researchers said the findings could help shift the understanding of eating disorders away from a narrow focus on body weight and toward a broader view that considers distinct biological pathways.