No West Nile virus cases reported in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

The latest figures were described as particularly encouraging by Kostas Venetidis, Deputy Regional Governor for Civil Protection and Climate Crisis, who said the region had recorded zero cases based on EODY data available through last Thursday.

Speaking to ERT Orestiada through a program for the Voice of Greece, Venetidis stressed that the situation should not yet be considered over, noting that West Nile virus activity in the region typically emerges toward the end of August.

Mosquito control efforts intensified
Venetidis said a large-scale mosquito control program is being implemented across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace this year, with particular emphasis on monitoring the circulation of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito cages and traps have been installed at various locations, with collected samples tested on a weekly basis. When areas with mosquitoes capable of carrying and transmitting the virus are identified, spraying operations are intensified.

According to Venetidis, the timing of the seasonal risk is linked partly to the movement of wild birds, which can play a role in the virus transmission cycle. He emphasized that regional authorities are continuing to press EODY and the Ministry of Health to ensure that all available control measures are implemented.

Region authorized for nighttime aerial spraying
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was also the first region in Greece to receive exceptional authorization for aerial adult mosquito control using helicopters during nighttime operations.

Despite the absence of reported cases so far, regional authorities are continuing surveillance and mosquito-control measures as the region enters the period when West Nile virus activity has historically been more likely to appear.