The West Nile virus has claimed the lives of two infected patients, Greece’s National Health Care Organization announced on Tuesday. Both were over 81 years old and the cause of their deaths has been manifested in the central Nerves system.
Furthermore, eight new cases of the infection have been recorded in the last week.
The new cases of the infection bring the total number to 11.
Ten of the 11 infected, moreover, had manifestations from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). These manifestations were encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis.
According to the detailed data of EODY, three of the patients are still hospitalized. One of them is in intensive care. Another six have been discharged.
West Nile virus has made its appearance again in 2023 in various parts of the country. Currently it has been identified in the regional units of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaly and Central Macedonia.
Recorded infections and regions:
- -2 cases in Kavala (one was with mild symptoms)
- -4 in Karditsa
- -1 in Larissa
- -1 in Imathia
- -2 in Pella
- -1 in Serres.
The true number of cases may be much higher. It has been estimated that for every case of infection with CNS involvement there are approximately 140 people infected with the virus who have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, EODY added.
West Nile virus in the rest of Europe
West Nile virus causes outbreaks every year in many countries worldwide, including Europe, reported EODY. In the European Union and its neighboring countries this year (until July 26, 2023), cases have been reported in Italy and Hungary, according to the ECDC.
In the years 2010-2014 and 2017-2022 the West Nile virus caused hundreds of infection in various regions (and) of our country. These were recorded during the summer and autumn months. Circulation of the virus has been recorded during these years in all regions of Greece.
The occurrence of cases of infection with the virus on an almost annual basis in the last decade suggests that West Nile virus has established itself in our country, as well as in other European countries.
Therefore, the occurrence of other incidents is considered possible and expected, EODY stressed.
West Nile Virus
Note that the West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes to humans and horses. Prevention efforts against WNV mainly focus on preventing human contact with and being bitten by infected mosquitoes. This is twofold, first by personal protective actions (long sleeves and pants) and second by mosquito-control actions. Mosquito control can be done at the community level and include surveillance programs and control programs including pesticides and reducing mosquito habitats.
Spraying areas to eliminate mosquitoes is to be done in time, usually in May.
KTG recalls that the first deaths in Greece due to WNV occurred in 2012 when municipalities did not spray in time due to bailout agreements and the impact of financial cuts.
The occurrence of cases of infection with the virus on an almost annual basis in the last decade suggests that West Nile virus has established itself in our country, as well as in other European countries.
Therefore, the occurrence of other incidents is considered possible and expected.
