The West Nile virus has claimed a total of 15 lives in the time from beginning of the mosquitoes season 2019 until September 5. All the victims were over 60 years old.During the same period a total of 158 people were infected by the virus across the country. 97 of them reported symptoms of the central nervous system, while 61 had mild symptoms.

The cases of West Nile infections were recorded in the regional units of Xanthi, Kavala, Rodopi, Evros, Drama, Larissa, Karditsa, Trikala, Eastern Attica, Piraeus, Kilkis and Thessaloniki.

Experts and local government representatives, under the coordination of the Athens Medical Association (ISA), are expected to draw up a strategic plan to shield the country from serious mosquito-borne infectious diseases.

“The fact that our country is the first in Europe this year in cases of West Nile virus and occasionally malaria cases, proves that the mosquito-control programs are inadequate. At the same time, it is particularly important to carry out targeted public information campaigns on individual protection measures, “said the President of Athens Medical Association and Governor of Attica, Giorgos Patoulis on Thursday.

AMA notes that an important parameter for the implementation of targeted and effective sprays is the availability of up-to-date hazard maps and mosquito breeding sites to identify high-risk areas for the outbreaks of mosquito-borne infections.

Authorities are expecting to diagnose more West Nile infection cases in the following weeks as well as in other geographical areas than those mentioned above.

During the 2019 period and until August 29, infections of West Nile virus have been reported also in Hungary, Romania, France, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, Bulgaria, Serbia and Turkey.