The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released preliminary data on Greece’s infectious disease cases for 2023, showing a 16.3% increase in total reported cases compared to 2022, based on records from the National Public Health Organisation (EODY).
EODY monitors infectious diseases through a mandatory notification system, and in 2022 added five diseases to this list, including Campylobacter infection, Anaplasmosis, Rickettsia, Ehrlichiosis, and Borreliosis (Lyme disease).
In 2023, laboratory-confirmed flu cases fell by 23.6%, with no reported cases of measles. Among the most common infectious diseases, salmonellosis and tuberculosis saw significant increases, with salmonellosis cases peaking in August and September and tuberculosis rising in April and December. Influenza cases also spiked in January and December, while Campylobacter cases peaked in October.
A notable reduction was recorded in West Nile Virus infections, down by 76.5% from 2022. SARS-CoV-2 cases dropped by 77.2%, with Attiki, Kentriki Makedonia, and Thessalia reporting the highest COVID-19 case counts. The geographic distribution data showed Attiki as the region with the highest infection rates for salmonellosis, tuberculosis, influenza, and campylobacter infection.
The report highlights the regional variations and seasonal trends in infectious disease cases across Greece, underlining the impact of public health measures and surveillance.
(Source: ELSTAT)