The mild temperatures that prevailed during the winter are estimated to be favorable conditions for the early onset of the period of high seasonal activity of mosquitoes and for the recording of increased mosquito populations and strong circulation of West Nile virus.

The National Public Health Organization (NPO) recommends taking steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, which is expected to re-emerge this year during the summer and fall months.

From 2010 onwards, cases appear almost every year in our country. Therefore, reoccurrence of cases during the current mosquito circulation season (as in any transmission season) is considered likely and expected.

How is West Nile virus transmitted?

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 people do not spread the virus further to other mosquitoes or to other people (by direct contact).

The majority of people infected with the virus do not get sick at all or only have mild disease, while a very few people (< 1% of those infected) develop severe disease affecting 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.

Mosquito protection measures

As the epidemiology of the virus is complex and determined by many factors, the areas of virus circulation and outbreaks cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, EODY recommends that you comply with them individually protection measures against mosquitoes, throughout the territory, throughout the period of circulation of mosquitoes:

– 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 stagnant water anywhere (this way, you effectively help to limit mosquito breeding sites in private areas).

– Older people, people with immunosuppression and people with chronic underlying diseases must observe these measures with particular consistency, as they are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

In each period of transmission, and with the aim of the timely implementation of targeted response and prevention measures, the EODY carries out enhanced epidemiological surveillance of the disease, informs health and public health professionals, immediately investigates the incidents and is in constant communication and cooperation with the competent national authorities and local government authorities.

In fact, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with EODY, proceeded to draw up a comprehensive Action Plan for West Nile virus infection, with the aim of standardized implementation of actions to manage and reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, based on a risk assessment.

For the period 2024, EODY having ensured the increase of the available budget, has organized and will implement an expanded program of enhanced entomological surveillance, through the development of a cooperation network with public/wider public sector agencies, with an extension of the network of mosquito traps, with standardized methodology and representative geographical distribution. The program will be implemented – under the coordination of EODY – in collaboration with the Benakeio Phytopathological Institute, the University of Western Attica, the Technology and Research Foundation, the ELGO Dimitra Organization, the Agricultural University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Thessaly, the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Patras. The entomological data generated will be readily available to local authorities responsible for mosquito management, for targeted and timely implementation of control measures at local level.