- Incident: Second locally acquired West Nile Virus (WNV) case confirmed on Crete; health authorities put on heightened alert.
- Patient status (Heraklion): 69-year-old male hospitalized in PAGNI ICU; condition stable and controlled.
- Patient status (Rethymno): 63-year-old female in Rethymno Hospital ICU; improving steadily and out of immediate danger.
- Local measures: Targeted mosquito spraying carried out in the Rethymno village where the first case originated.
- Transmission and risks: Transmitted solely via infected mosquito bites (no human-to-human transmission); health officials urge calm, stressing that severe cases remain rare.
A second locally acquired case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Crete, with a 69-year-old man from the Heraklion area currently being treated in the intensive care unit at Heraklion University Hospital.
According to local reports, his condition is controlled and is not considered a cause for concern.
The case follows the confirmation of West Nile virus infection in a 63-year-old woman in Rethymno, who remains in intensive care but is reported to be in very good condition and out of danger. Mosquito-control spraying has also been carried out in the village where her infection was identified.
The two cases have prompted increased attention from health authorities on the island, but health experts are urging the public to remain calm. West Nile virus infections are generally sporadic, and most infected people develop no symptoms or experience only mild illness, such as fever.
A small proportion of infections can develop into serious neurological disease, particularly in older people and those with certain underlying health conditions.
For travelers, the important point is how the virus spreads.
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not normally transmitted directly from person to person, so visitors to Crete do not need to avoid other people or alter their plans because of the reported cases.
The sensible precautions are the same ones recommended for protection against mosquito bites generally, particularly during periods of increased mosquito activity.
Travelers should use an appropriate insect repellent, keep windows and doors screened where possible, and avoid areas with stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. Long sleeves and trousers can also provide additional protection, particularly during periods when mosquitoes are most active.
Anyone who develops persistent fever or neurological symptoms after exposure to mosquitoes should seek medical advice and mention any recent travel or residence in an area where West Nile virus has been reported.
For now, there is no indication that travelers should avoid Crete because of these isolated cases. The message from health authorities is one of awareness rather than alarm.
What does West Nile virus look like?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, while a smaller proportion develop mild or severe illness.
| What happens | How common? | What it can look like |
|---|---|---|
| No symptoms | About 80% | Most people feel completely well. |
| Mild illness | About 20% | Fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people recover fully, although fatigue and weakness can sometimes last for weeks or months. |
| Severe illness | Less than 1% | The virus can affect the brain and nervous system, causing high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, seizures or paralysis. Hospitalization may be required, and severe cases can be fatal. |
The CDC says symptoms usually appear 2–6 days after a mosquito bite, though they can take 2–14 days to develop. People with weakened immune systems may take longer to develop symptoms.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile Virus: Symptoms and Risk Factors.
