A total of 12 patients infected with the West Nile Virus have died since the start of the year until August 21. The virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitos.
According the weekly epidemiological report of the National Public Health Organization EODY, the deceased were over 60 years old with the median age being 83 years (range 61 – 92 years).
During last week, two deaths were recorded and 24 new domestic cases were diagnosed/confirmed.
Three “imported” cases of the infection in patients exposed to in another foreign country (Albania) have also been recorded. These cases are not included in the further analysis.
A total of 100 domestic cases of West Nile virus infection have been diagnosed and investigated in Greece, of which 76 cases presented manifestations from the Central Nervous System.
This year and until August 21, cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded in Greece, in areas in the Regional Units of
- Larissa, Karditsa, Lefkada, Halkidiki, Pella, Serres, Kilkis, Imathia, Achaia, Thesprotia, south sector of Athens , Argolida, Rodopi, Drama, Evros, Xanthi, Fthiotida and in the metropolitan unit of Thessaloniki.
EODY considers possible the diagnosis of further cases in the coming period.
Epidemiological surveillance of the disease, the timely implementation of appropriate integrated mosquito control programs and the adoption of personal protection measures against mosquitoes are the most appropriate measures to control the disease. In this context, the vigilance of health professionals and the continued vigilance of local and national authorities are deemed necessary.
