The existence of three laboratory-confirmed cases of West Nile virus within the territory of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis, the Municipal Authority announced today, following the telephone information given to the Mayor Yiannis Zamboukis by the head of the Department of Diseases EODY and after communication with the Public Directorate of Health and Social Care of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

In the context of informing citizens about the way the virus is transmitted and taking measures to prevent and control the disease, the relevant announcement states, among other things:

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

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

-The epidemiological surveillance of the disease, the timely implementation of appropriate integrated mosquito management programs and the adoption of personal protection measures against mosquitoes are internationally the most appropriate measures for the prevention and control of the disease.

In particular, with regard to individual protection measures, it is noted:

-Use approved body and environmental insect repellents (according to the instructions for use), screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners/fans, suitable (long) clothing.

-Don’t leave stagnant water anywhere (this way, you actually 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.

-The tenants of the houses located nearby, of the sprayed areas (teams of the A.M.Th. Region carry out systematic spraying to fight mosquitoes), so that they are free from people and animals and that there are no exposed household items ( eg clothing, toys, etc.), food, drink and animal feed.