Two people dead from West Nile virus

Eight new cases of West Nile virus and two patient fatalities were reported in Greece over the last week, highlighting the dangers of mosquito bites.

This summer, a total of 11 cases have been reported to the National Public Health Organization, 10 of which were more serious due to central nervous system symptoms.

As of Tuesday, one patient was still in an intensive care unit, two were in clinics outside the ICU, and six had been discharged. Two, both aged over 81, had died.

Greece is one of just three EU countries where human infections have been recorded up to July 26. The others are Italy and Hungary.

Areas are classified as “affected by vector-borne diseases” are the municipalities of: Irakleia, Serres; Nestos, Kavala; Palamas and Mouzaki, Karditsa; Skydra, Pella; Veria, Alexandria and Naoussa, Imathia; Larissa; and Avdira and Topira, Xanthi.