Athens, Aug 27. (dpa/GNA) – West Nile virus infections in Greece continue to rise, with 232 cases recorded nationwide since the start of the year.
Nineteen people have died after infection, the country’s public health agency EODY said on Wednesday.
The number of cases has more than quintupled since the end of July, when 42 infections had been reported. A week ago, the figure stood at 157. Most cases have been recorded in the greater Athens area, EODY said.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Most infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness, while severe cases occur mainly among older people and those with certain underlying conditions.
Epidemiologists have repeatedly urged people to protect themselves against mosquito bites, including by regularly reapplying insect repellent.
GNA