- Two pensioners in Greece died of a West Nile virus.
- 47 cases of infection have been confirmed since the beginning of the year.
- Severe cases of virus are more common in the elderly.
- Doctors recommend to protect repellents and mosquito nets.
Two pensioners succumbed to a West Nurean virus in Greece, a disease from Africa transmitted by mosquitoes. These are the first victims that this virus has claimed since the beginning of the year, Informs TASR according to DPA report.
Both seniors were over 78 years old and suffered from an infection of the central nervous system caused by this virus, Informed on Thursday the Greek Health Office. By August 20, 47 cases of infection of West Nile virus were confirmed in the country. Eleven infected ended up in the hospital, two of them in an intensive care unit.
However, the number of not reported cases is likely to be much higher, Since many infected have no or mild symptoms, such as headaches or limbs. Rather, older people or persons suffering from other health problems have a serious course of disease with high fever.
Most of the current cases have been reported in rural areas around Athens and in the central part of Greece. Viral pathogens transmit some types of mosquitoes. Doctors therefore recommend people to use repellents and, if possible, have mosquito nets above the bed.
The West Nile virus was first recorded in Uganda in 1937. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, usually occurs in warmer months when these insects are more active. It is rarely transmitted from person to person, such as blood transfusion or organ donation.
