West Nile Virus Outbreak: 6 Fatalities in Greece

Deaths Reported:

6 individuals have died due to WNV.
5 of these fatalities occurred within the last week.

Affected Areas:

Karditsa
Larissa
Trikala
Imathia
Thessaloniki
Pella

Transmission:

Most people contract WNV through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus after feeding on infected birds and can then transmit it to humans and other animals.
The peak transmission period is from June to September.

Other rare transmission routes include:
From mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
Blood transfusions.
Organ transplants.
Laboratory exposure.
Prevention Tips:

The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid mosquito bites.
Use insect repellents when outdoors.
Effective repellents include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors, and use air conditioning if available.
Reduce mosquito populations around your home:
Eliminate standing water from flower pots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.
Staying vigilant and taking preventive measures is crucial to curb the spread of WNV and protect public health.