The Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP) has been informed on July 19 that two more cases of infection with the West Nile Virus (WNV) were diagnosed, one in Thessaloniki involving an elderly man and another affecting a young woman in East Attica.
The WNV is transferred by birds and is transmitted to human and animals through the bite of mosquitoes.
In most cases, the patients remain asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, while most serious disease manifestations usually appear on elderly people with underlying diseases.
During this stage, the measures of personal protection by mosquitoes, which include the use of insect repellents’ substances on uncovered skin and on clothes, especially during activities at afternoon or night hours, as well as putting sieves or bed nets, are of significant importance. Avoiding watering of plants and grass during the afternoon or night hours, when mosquitoes are more active, is suggested.
HCDCP, in collaboration with the Greek Ministry for Health, has informed the health professionals about the diagnosis of the WNV infection and is monitoring closely the development of the disease in Greece.
HCDCP will publish in its website information concerning the progress of the epidemiological data on a weekly basis and will write detailed instructions about the disease and the prevention measures (www.keelpno.gr).
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