A national network for epidemiological observation has been applied in Greece for the risk assessment of the West Nile Virus epidemic. Focusing especially in Central Macedonia, by detecting bird carriers’ index ,thriving mosquitos’ collection on 100 spots around Greece and human infection cases.
In coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, measures are taken for the systematic screening of critical parameters, like the Culex ambundance , hydrometeorological conditions in Central Macedonia and the presence of the virus in wild birds on national level.
The up to date results indicate only 6 infections on pigeons. No human infection has been recorded and no other serious risk factors appear on the scientific risk analysis that is conducted under the Emergency Epidemic Response System of the Hellenic Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in accordance to the international scientific Guidelines and Practices of Public Heath Response Principles .
Concerning the air spraying methods for the absence of which ,the Local Authorities characterised the National Response Plan for the West Nile Virus as “insufficient” , the scientific community of the Hellenic Centers of Disease Control stated that there is no reason for air spraying on thriving mosquitos at the moment , since the emphasis of the preventive measures bust be given at the urban level and the cities’ environment since the type of mosquito that is transmitting West Nile virus is the Culex Pipiens that settles around cities.
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