As the mosquito season has begun, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) recommends taking measures to protect yourself from mosquitoesso as to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infectionin case of recirculation of the virus.

West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of infected “common” mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are infected by infected birds (certain species mainly wild birds). Infected humans do not further transmit the virus to other mosquitoes.

The majority of people who become infected with the virus do not get sick at all or have only mild disease, while very few people (< 1% of those infected) develop severe disease that affects the nervous system (mainly encephalitis or meningitis). Older people (over 50) and people with immunosuppression/chronic underlying diseases are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

Outbreaks of West Nile virus infection occur in many countries worldwide, as well as in many European countries, on an annual basis during the summer and autumn months. From 2010 onwards, cases appear almost every year in our country as well. Therefore, it is considered possible and expected that incidents (and) reoccur in our country, during the current period of circulation of mosquitoes (as well as in any period of transmission).

As the epidemiology of the virus is complex, the areas of virus circulation and outbreaks cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, the EODY recommends that you observe the individual protection measures against mosquitoes, throughout the territory, throughout the mosquito circulation period:

Use approved body and environmental insect repellents (according to the instructions for use), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners/fans, suitable (long) clothing.
Do not leave standing water anywhere (thereby effectively helping to limit mosquito breeding grounds in private areas).

Older people, immunosuppressed people, and people with chronic underlying diseases in particular need to scrupulously adhere to mosquito protection measures, as they are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

As in any period of transmission, the EODY carries out enhanced epidemiological surveillance of the disease, informs health and public health professionals, immediately investigates the incidents and informs the competent national and local authorities, with the aim of timely implementation of targeted response and prevention measures, locally. For the 2023 period, EODY has already informed health professionals nationwide about the need to be alert for the disease.

More information on West Nile virus and mosquito protection measures can be found on the EODY website (https://eody.gov.gr/disease/ios-toy-dytikoy-neiloy/), where they will also post – if cases occur – weekly reports with current epidemiological data.