Her caution of citizens it appeals to Ministry of Health for mosquitoes that transmit Dengue Feverhim Zika virus but also the disease Chikungunya.

The Ministry of Health sent a circular to all the Health Regions of the country to take emergency measures to combat mosquitoes, especially if they have surrounding areas with potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes (stagnant water, greenery, etc.).

Also, to ensure the protection of patients, visitors and workers of health units from mosquito bites, e.g. by placing mosquito nets and screens on windows and doors, provision and use of air conditioners or fans, provision and use of approved insect repellents for the room or body in cases where this is deemed appropriate (e.g. in case of hospitalization of patients with malaria, dengue fever, disease Zika and Chikungunya during the period of transmission and if there is a competent transmitter in the area).

In addition, the municipalities must proceed, along with the regions, to take measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, clean up the environment, raise the awareness of the citizens and implement mosquito management projects, based on their pre-defined responsibilities.

The imminent danger according to the Ministry of Health “makes it imperative to take measures for the surveillance and control of this mosquito genus, with special attention and enhanced surveillance in areas that are potential gateways for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.”

It is emphasized that mosquitoes can easily be transported from country to country, via airplanes and ships.

Hits in Cyprus, France and Spain

The risk of introducing new mosquito-borne viruses that cause the tropical diseases Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue Fever has alarmed the Greek authorities.

And this as the mosquitoes that transmit the above diseases – such as the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) – caused 40 cases in France last year, while Aedes aegypti, of the same family, has also been detected in Cyprus, France and Spain.

In our country, the Aedes aegypti mosquito last appeared in the late 60s.

This species – otherwise known as the yellow fever mosquito – was found in the Mediterranean, while in recent years it has made its reappearance in Georgia, Turkey, the Madeira Islands (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain).

What is Dengue Fever?

The virus that causes Dengue Fever does not have serious effects on humans.

However, a number of studies have shown an association of the virus with the appearance of birth defects (microcephaly) in the fetus if the disease affects a pregnant woman.

What is the Zika virus?

High fever, headache, myalgias and rash appear in the infected person from the Zika virus. The disease is transmitted, like dengue fever, by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The virus proves equally dangerous for causing microcephaly in fetuses if the disease strikes a woman during pregnancy. There is no vaccine or other prophylactic treatment to prevent the disease.

Chikungunya disease

According to EODY, Chikungunya disease causes a sudden onset of fever, joint pains and a rash. Also, chills, myalgias, headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, fatigue, conjunctivitis.

Most patients fully recover from acute symptoms within 7-10 days.

In some cases, however, patients may experience recurrences of joint symptoms (eg polyarthralgia, polyarthritis, tendinitis).