WNND is associated with considerable short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. Lineage 2 strains need further scientific attention. Public health measures are needed to prevent the infection, especially in the elderly with underlying diseases.

A major outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infections took place in 2010 in Greece. Apart from the neuroinvasive cases, many additional cases without involvement of the nervous system were observed, characterized by high fever, myalgia, rash, leukopenia, and long-lasting recovery. West Nile non-neuroinvasive disease is a distinct clinical syndrome, and is not always mild.