The health authorities in our country are located on high alert for the public health implications of West Nile virus as well, as its high-ranking scientific sources report on iatropedia.gr EODYthe cases and deaths within 2024 are expected to reach the numbers of 2018, the year when the greatest outbreak of the disease occurred in Greece.
Scientists are “sounding the alarm bells”. The phenomenon is attributed, as they say, to climate change and last year’s mild winter, which contributed to the increase in the mosquito population.
Mild weather conditions and the prevalence of high temperatures in the winter months allow the survival of mosquitoes, which are the main vectors (transmitters) of West Nile virus
100 cases and 12 deaths in just two months
The numbers are unmistakable evidence of the increase recorded by health authorities in 2024 compared to previous years, with the only exception being 2018, the year of the largest outbreak of West Nile virus to date.
In detail:
2024
From June 21, when the first case of the 2024 period was recorded, until August 22, a total of 100 domestic cases of West Nile virus infection* have been diagnosed in Greece, of which 76 presented manifestations from the Central Nervous System (CNS , encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) and 24 had mild or no CNS manifestations.
In the same period, i.e. within just 2 months, a total of 12 deaths have been recorded, while according to the latest report of the EODY on Thursday (22/8), 24 new cases were reported in just one week.
The aggressive trend of the disease this year does not rule out the possibility that the surveillance period will be extended until October, which will give room for even a tripling of cases and deaths, experts estimate.
*Three imported cases of the infection in patients exposed to another foreign country (Albania) have also been recorded, which are not included in the further analysis.
2018
In 2018, the year of the outbreak of the disease caused by the West Nile virus, a total of 316 domestic cases were diagnosed in Greece, of which 243 presented manifestations from the Central Nervous System (CNS, encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) all 75 had mild manifestations.
In the same year, the recording of which lasted 5 months, there were 50 deaths of patients infected with the virus during their hospitalization. Most were over 63 years old.
2023
Last year was relatively mild, while in comparison in 2024 cases and deaths remained at particularly low levels.
Specifically, within three months during which the disease was registered and monitored, a total of only 162 domestic cases of West Nile virus infection were reported in Greece and 23 deaths.
The number of cases continues to rise and experts warn that if this trend continues, 2024 could prove to be as serious a year as 2018.
West Nile virus: affected areas and cases in Greece and Europe
According to the recent record of EODY, 20 Regional Units have been affected by the West Nile virus this year, the vast majority of which are located in northern and central Greece.
More specifically, until August 21, cases have been recorded and investigated in settlements in the Regional Units of Larissa, Karditsa, Lefkada, Halkidiki, Pella, Serres, Kilkis, Imathia, Achaia, Thesprotia, Southern Sector of Athens, Argolis, Rhodope, Drama, Evros, Xanthi , Fthiotida and in the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki.
EODY considers the diagnosis of further cases to be possible and expected in the coming period.
In the European Union and neighboring countries, apart from our country, cases of infection with the DN virus have been recorded in: Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Croatia and Serbia.
Although southern Greece and Attica have had the fewest cases in recent years, this year an incident was detected in Kallithea.
However, in Attica, as experts say, there is increased surveillance and good laboratory coverage, which contributes to the early detection and treatment of incidents.
However, the emergence of cases even in areas with less activity in recent years demonstrates that no one is safe.
Protection measures for citizens
With the number of cases continuing to rise, authorities are urging the public to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus.
Using insect repellents, avoiding extended outdoor periods during peak mosquito hours, and eliminating standing water that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes are essential protective measures.
The public should remain aware of the situation and follow the instructions of the competent authorities for their own safety.
With proper preparation and caution, the risks of West Nile virus can be greatly reduced.
Source: iatropedia.gr
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