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Health authorities in Greece warn of West Nile virus

Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) issued an alert on the West Nile virus on Monday, advising citizens to be cautious and take protective measures.

According to EODY, the number of recorded cases are higher compared to the same period in the previous five years, while the virus is present across the country.

The geographical distribution of the virus is wide, with cases already recorded in five Regions of the country, in northern, central and western Greece.

Infections have been confirmed in Larissa, Karditsa, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Pella, Lefkada (Ionian islands), Achaia (Peloponnese and Thesprotia (Epirus)

In its latest report issued on July 31 and for the period of the begin on the West Nile virus infections (June 2024) until July 31, 2024, EODY reported of 33 confirmed infections and 6 deaths,

Of the 33 infection cases, 29 developed serious issues with the Central Nervous System, while 4 had mild symptoms.

The median age of deaths due to WNV was 83 (range 74-92).

“Additional cases of the infection are expected in the country in the coming period, as well as in other European countries,” EODY stressed.

EODY recommends for citizens to follow protective measures against mosquitoes, such as insect repellents, mosquito nets, etc. and beware of stagnant waters.

Moreover, older individuals and those with underlying conditions should pay even more attention and follow preventive measures.

As the areas of occurrence of cases cannot be safely predicted, EODY recommended that citizens observe individual protection measures against mosquitoes, consistently, definitely in areas where cases of the disease have already appeared but also in general throughout the Greek territory.

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