“West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which are infected by infected birds. Infected people do not spread the virus further. Four out of five people who become infected with the virus do not get sick at all or have only mild disease. 9% show extremely mild symptoms (diarrhoea, headaches, stomach upsets), while only 1% show severe disease affecting the central nervous system, mainly encephalitis or meningitis.
They are in danger
Older people – over 50 years old – are more at risk of becoming seriously ill, as well as people with immunosuppression and chronic underlying diseases,” he said, drawing attention to those who show suspicious symptoms.
According to him, an increase in cases is expected in the next period as the country is in the “heart” of summer. “The epidemiology of the virus is determined by many factors, the areas of circulation of the virus and occurrence of cases cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, it is recommended to observe individual protection measures against mosquitoes. To use insect repellents, to have screens on doors and windows and not to leave stagnant water. Older people and people with chronic underlying diseases should take their measures with particular consistency,” he concluded.
Last year’s picture
It is recalled that last year, according to the EODY, 19 patients over the age of 64 died in Greece with an infection from the virus and manifestations from the Central Nervous System. In total, 143 domestic cases of virus infection had been diagnosed and investigated, of which 107 had CNS manifestations (encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) and 36 had mild/no CNS manifestations. CNS.
The map
According to last year’s announcement by the Organization, in the period 2023, until 26/09/2023, cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded in Greece, in settlements in the Regional Units of Karditsa, Larissa, Trikala, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Pieria , Kilkis, Serres, Halkidiki, Kavala, Drama, Rodopi, Xanthi, Evros, Kastoria, Arta and Ioannina. In the European Union and neighboring countries, during the period 2023, until 20/09/2023, cases of infection with the virus were recorded – apart from Greece – in: Italy, France, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Spain, North Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia and Cyprus.
Protection measures
As the epidemiology of the virus is complex, the areas of circulation and outbreaks cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, the EODY recommends that citizens observe individual protection measures against mosquitoes, throughout the territory, throughout the mosquito circulation period. More specifically:
* To use approved body and environmental insect repellents (according to the instructions for use), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners/fans, suitable (long) clothing.
* Do not leave stagnant water anywhere (essentially helping to limit mosquito breeding sites in private areas).
* Older people, immunosuppressed people, and people with chronic underlying diseases in particular need to scrupulously adhere to mosquito protection measures, as they are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.
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