The EODY is ringing a “bell” about the West Nile virus, in a new announcement to the citizens. In the announcement it is pointed out that citizens should be protected from mosquitoes, as most cases are already recorded of the last five years in our country.

As predicted, the circulation of the virus is particularly intense during the current 2024 transmission season, with the number of recorded cases being higher compared to the previous five years for the same time period is highlighted. The geographical distribution of the virus is wide, with cases already recorded in five regions of the country, in northern, central and western Greece. In fact, in the near future, they are expected and other incidents of infection in the country, as in other European countries.

For the evolution of the seasonal outbreak of the disease and the areas where cases have appeared during the current period, you can be informed from the weekly report of the EODY, which is updated and published every Wednesday.

As the areas of occurrence of cases cannot be predicted with certainty, the EODY recommends that you observe individual protection measures against mosquitoes, consistently, definitely in areas where cases of the disease have already appeared but also in general throughout the territory:

  • Use approved body and room repellents (according to the instructions for use), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners/fans, suitable (long) clothing.
  • Do not leave standing water anywhere.

In older people and people with chronic underlying diseases special care is recommended and consistency in taking individual preventive measures against mosquito bites, as these individuals are more at risk of presenting a more severe form of 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/).