The National Public Health Organization (EODY) informs that the first case of West Nile virus infection for the transmission period 2022 has been diagnosed in the country, in the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki (Municipality of Ampelokipi - Menemeni).
West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of infected "common" mosquitoes, which are infected by infected birds (certain species of mainly wild birds). People who are infected do not further transmit the virus to other mosquitoes.
The majority of people infected with the virus do not get sick at all or have only mild disease, while very few people (<1% of those infected) develop severe disease affecting the nervous system (mainly encephalitis or meningitis). Older people (over 50 years of age) are more at risk of becoming seriously ill, as are people with immunosuppression and chronic underlying diseases.
Cases of West Nile virus infection occur in many countries worldwide, as well as in many European countries, on an annual basis. Since 2010 onwards, cases occur almost every year (also) in our country, in various regions, during the summer and autumn months. Therefore, recurrence of cases in each transmission period is expected. In May 2022, the EODY informed health professionals nationwide of the need to be vigilant about the disease and in early June 2022, it issued a public awareness notice with recommendations for taking precautionary measures against mosquitoes.
During each transmission period, in order to ensure timely implementation of targeted response and prevention measures, EODY conducts enhanced epidemiological surveillance of the disease, immediately investigates cases and is in constant communication and cooperation with the competent national, regional and local authorities.
As the epidemiology of the virus is determined by many factors, the areas of virus circulation and outbreaks cannot be predicted with certainty.
As the epidemiology of the virus is determined by many factors, the areas of virus circulation and outbreaks cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, the HACCP recommends to observe personal protection measures against mosquitoes, throughout the whole territory, during the whole period of mosquito circulation:
Use approved body and environmental insect repellents (according to the instructions for use), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners/ fans, appropriate (long) clothing.
Do not leave standing water anywhere (by doing so, you are effectively helping to limit mosquito breeding grounds in private premises).
Older people and people with chronic underlying diseases should take their measures with particular care.
More information on West Nile virus and mosquito protection measures can be found on the EODC website (https:/eody.gov.gr/disease/ios-toy-dytikoy-neiloy/), where -also- every Tuesday a weekly report with updated epidemiological data will be posted.
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