Health authorities in Greece have now delcared 62 out of the country’s 332 municipalities as ‘high risk’ for West Nile virus, as the mosquito-born virus continues to take hold and spread throughout the country.
The virus was recently thrust into the spotlight as the former director of the United States’ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Fauci fell ill from the West Nile virus.
The virus conintues to spread throughout the country with nine more municipalities added to the list of places that are ‘high risk’ for the virus since the last notification by Greek health authorities noting that 53 municipalities were ‘in the red’.
West Nile viurs is circulating intensely, with the number of recorded cases higher than in the previous five years.
Where and How Many Cases Have Been Reported
According to the latest EODY report, the West Nile virus has affected 20 regional units this year, the vast majority of which are in northern and central Greece.
Specifically, as of August 21, cases have been recorded and investigated in settlements within the regional units of: Larissa, Karditsa, Lefkada, Chalkidiki, Pella, Serres, Kilkis, Imathia, Achaia, Thesprotia, South Athens, Argolis, Rhodope, Drama, Evros, Xanthi, Fthiotida, and the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki.
Recommendations
In an announcement on August 5, EODY emphasized that the circulation of the virus is particularly intense during the current 2024 transmission season, with the number of recorded cases higher than in the same period over the past five years.
As the areas where cases appear cannot be predicted with certainty, EODY recommends that personal protection measures against mosquitoes be strictly adhered to, especially in areas where cases have already occurred, and generally across the country:
- Use approved insect repellents for bodies and space (according to usage instructions), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioning/fans, and appropriate (long) clothing.
- Do not leave stagnant water anywhere.
- Elderly individuals and those with chronic underlying health conditions are advised to be particularly careful and consistent in taking personal protection measures against mosquito bites, as they are at higher risk of developing a more severe form of the disease.
