Ten cases of West Nile virus infection and one death in a patient over the age of 80 years, with underlying diseases have been recorded in Greece since the beginning of the period 2020, until today, according to a weekly report of the West Nile's West Nile virus epidemiological surveillance (EODY).
Nine of them 10 total cases presented manifestations from the Central Nervous System (CNS, encephalitis and / or meningitis and / or acute mild paralysis) and one had mild manifestations (febrile illness)/ had no events from the CNS.
The 10 cases of West Nile virus infection in Greece have been recorded in settlements in the Peripheral Units of Xanthi, Karditsa, Kavala, Serres, Pieria, and Eastern Attica. The diagnosis of further cases in the near future is considered possible and expected (and with a view to raising the awareness of health professionals), reports EODY.
It is noted that according to the results of a seroepidemiological study conducted in 2010, in each (1) case of West Nile virus infection with CNS infection correspond approximately 140 infected with the virus (with mild symptoms or asymptomatic).
West Nile virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of infected "common" mosquitoes. The main reservoir of the virus in nature is mainly wild birds, from where mosquitoes are infected, while humans do not further transmit the virus to other mosquitoes. The majority of people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, about 20% show mild symptoms of viral syndrome and less than 1% show more severe manifestations than the central nervous system, mainly encephalitis, meningitis, acute relaxed paralysis.
The most serious manifestations usually occur in older people, immunocompromised patients and generally individuals with chronic underlying diseases. The epidemiological surveillance of the disease, The timely implementation of appropriate integrated mosquito control programs and the adoption of individual protection measures against mosquitoes are the most important measures to prevent the disease internationally..
