Facing a busy summer tourist season, the Greek Foreign Office has included mosquitoes in the list of threats facing tourists this season, as in 2018 316 people were infected with West Nile virus, including 50 Greeks who died.
Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, but about 20% will develop a fever and symptoms such as headache, body aches, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And about 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develop a more severe form of the disease.
79% of people infected with the virus have no symptoms, 20% have symptoms such as fever, headache...
To prevent an even more devastating outbreak than last year, the government has launched an education campaign, distributing leaflets outlining the dangers of the disease and preventive measures.
There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat West Nile virus in humans. Preventive measures to help protect you from this mosquito-borne disease include:
- Use insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Use mosquito nets when sleeping, or choose hotels with air conditioning and screens on the doors.
West Nile virus cases in 2018 were typically detected in July, August, and September.
Other countries such as Italy, Cyprus and Serbia have also reported increased rates of West Nile virus infection, so even if Greece isn't your destination this summer, you should still take precautions wherever you go.
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