The Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) issued an announcement regarding the West Nile Virus.

In the announcement released by the Organization on Monday afternoon (5/8), it emphasizes that citizens should protect themselves from mosquitoes, as the highest number of cases in the last five years is already being recorded in our country.

The EODY announcement:

Following previous relevant updates (Press Release – 14/05/2024, Press Release – 05/07/2024), EODY again recommends meticulously taking mosquito protection measures as a precaution against the West Nile Virus.

As predicted, the virus’s circulation is particularly intense during the current 2024 transmission period, with the number of recorded cases being higher compared to the same period over the past five years. The virus’s geographic distribution is broad, with cases already recorded in five regions of the country, in northern, central, and western Greece. More cases of the infection are expected in the near future in our country, as well as in other European countries.

For updates on the seasonal surge of the disease and the areas where cases have occurred during the current period, you can refer to the EODY weekly report, which is updated and published every Wednesday. Since the areas where cases appear cannot be predicted with certainty, EODY recommends consistently following individual mosquito protection measures, especially in areas where cases have already been reported, but generally across the entire territory:

• Use approved body and space insect repellents (according to usage instructions), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioning/fans, and appropriate (long) clothing.
• Do not leave standing water anywhere.

Older individuals and those with chronic underlying conditions are advised to take special care and consistently follow individual protection measures against mosquito bites, as they are more at risk of developing a more severe form of the disease.