Brits visiting Greece warned of rise in deadly West Nile virus spread by mosquitoes
BRITS heading to Greece on holiday this year have been warned of an increase in cases of the West Nile virus which is spread through mosquito bites. Potentially fatal, 50 Greeks died after contracting the virus last year with another 266 people being infected. The spread of the West Nile virus has lead to the […]
BRITS heading to Greece on holiday this year have been warned of an increase in cases of the West Nile virus which is spread through mosquito bites.
Potentially fatal, 50 Greeks died after contracting the virus last year with another 266 people being infected.
The spread of the West Nile virus has lead to the UK Foreign Office to update the travel warning for the three million British tourists heading to the country.
On the website, it says: “There were more than 300 cases of West Nile virus in Greece in 2018.
“You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes, for example using mosquito repellent when outdoors and closing doors or windows or using screens.”
Transmitted by mosquito bites, 20 per cent of people who are infected will have flu-like symptoms, while one in 150 will have more severe symptoms, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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This can include meningitis, encephalitis or seizures.
Older travellers and those with previous health conditions are more likely to be affected with severe symptoms.
Danai Pervanidou, head of The Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Keelpno), told The Guardian that it was now a “public health issue”.
He advised: “The virus has established itself in Greece through migratory birds and we are recommending that everyone takes personal protective measures such as wearing long sleeves, avoiding places with stagnant water and using mosquito nets and repellent.”
However, it isn’t just Greece which has reported West Nile virus.
It is thought that the increase in mosquito borne diseases in Europe is due to hotter summers which allows them to breed better.
A 2018 study explained: “There is still a bit of a mindset that mosquito-borne diseases tend to be a tropical issue—actually they are coming much closer to home these days.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), other countries who reported infections last year include Italy (123 cases), Hungary (31 cases) and Serbia (126 cases).
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
Contracted through mosquito bites, approximately 20 per cent of people who are infected develop symptoms.
This can include fever, headaches, tiredness, nausea and skin rashes.
More severe symptoms can including inflammation of the brain and spine, as well as muscle weakness.
Travellers who have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer or heart and kidney disease or are over 50-years-old have a higher chance of a severe reaction.
There is currently no vaccine, so it is advised to always wear DEET, wear long clothing that covers the body and to use mosquito nets treated with insecticide.
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Last year, more than 400 people were infected by the West Nile virus in Europe that summer, although no cases were reported in the UK.
However, with hotter summers in Britain, fears of the Asian tiger mosquito entering the country have been raised.
Zika, dengue fever as well as West Nile virus could then be transmitted to Brits.