Six more people died from complications of the West Nile virus during the last seven days increasing the death toll to 11 people since the beginning of summer, Greece’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) said on Thursday.
From beginning of the yea until 22. August 2018, a total of 107 people got infected with the West Nile virus that is being transmitted by mosquitoes.
From the 107 cases, 88 infected people had symptoms of encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis.
19 had only mild symptoms as high fever.
The age of infected people ranges from 11 to 84 years with the average age being 71, KEELPNO said in it statement.
The Center said that the cases were reported in several areas of Greece, especially in Athens and Piraeus, the island of Evia, areas in Macedonia as well as in Rethymno, Crete.
KEELPNO said it expected more case to be reported also from other areas.
West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans. However, approximately 80% of people who are infected will not show any symptoms. West Nile virus is mainly transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. via WHO
Mild symptoms are similar to flu with headaches, aching limbs and fever.
In worse cases, the Mosquito bite can cause encephalitis and meningitis.
Especially vulnerable are seniors and people with health problems.
At high risk are people with advanced age, organ transplantation and diabetes.
People in the infected areas are advised to use insect repellents or creams, wear long trousers and sleeves in light-colors and stay indoors at dawn and dusk.
