Cases of West Nile virus infection occur in many countries worldwide, as well as in many European countries, on an annual basis. In the years 2010-2014 and 2017-2020, cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded in various regions (and) of our country during the summer and autumn months, while virus circulation was recorded in almost all Regions. This suggests that West Nile virus has established itself in our country, as in other European countries. Therefore, it is possible and expected that cases will reappear in our country and in other European and neighbouring countries during the current 2021 transmission period (and in subsequent periods), during the mosquito circulation period.
As the epidemiology of the virus is complex and determined by many factors, the areas of virus circulation and areas of outbreaks in the current 2021 transmission period (and in each transmission period) cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, the NAO recommends that personal protection measures against mosquitoes be observed throughout the country throughout the mosquito circulation period.
West Nile virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of infected “common” mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are infected by infected birds (some species, mainly wild birds), while infected humans do not further transmit the virus to other mosquitoes.
The majority of people infected with the virus do not get sick at all or have only mild disease, while a few people (<1% of those infected) develop severe disease affecting the nervous system (mainly encephalitis or meningitis). Older people (over 50 years of age) are more at risk of becoming seriously ill, as are people with immunosuppression and chronic underlying diseases.
Epidemiological surveillance of the disease, timely implementation of appropriate integrated mosquito control programmes and personal protection measures against mosquitoes are internationally the most appropriate measures to prevent and control the disease.
