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First case of West Nile Virus in Athens

07 July 2012 / 18:07:07  GRReporter
2586 reads

The first case of West Nile Virus for this year was registered in Athens. A 67-year-old woman from the neighbourhood of Paleo Faliro developed meningitis after a mosquito bite.

The woman was admitted in serious condition to "Erithros” hospital. It should be noted that last year 100 cases of the disease were registered and 76 patients had complications in the central nervous system. Eight of the patients lost the battle with death.

Regarding this year's case, experts worry more because it is the first one in the urban environment. Until last year, registered cases had been around Athens, and had reached Marathonas and Schinias.

The West Nile Virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Biting sick birds or other animals, e.g. horses, in turn, can infect mosquitoes.

After a mosquito bite, the incubation period of the disease is usually from 2 to 14 days.

Approximately 80 percent of infected people show no symptoms.

Every five people infected with the West Nile Virus show mild sick-like symptoms, which usually last from three to six days. In most cases, there is only a minor infection with flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms of the disease (in more severe infections) include headache, fever, neck stiffness, cramps, muscle weakness and paralysis.

How can we prevent the disease?

• By avoiding mosquito bites

• By using insect repellents on the skin and clothes. Active substances are used such as DEET or Picaridin (KBR 3023) and natural substances such as eucalyptus oil, which does not have such strong action. The duration of the repellent is from 1 to 4-5 hours.

Recommended repellents containing DEET are packages with a concentration of 30-50 percent for adults and 10-30 percent for children. There are no contraindications for pregnant and lactating women, but use in infants up to two months is not recommended. Insect repellent products should be applied after sunscreen products and contact with eyes, mouth and nasal mucosa should be avoided. In all cases, the manufacturer’s directions should be strictly followed.

• By using insecticides in the air.

They contain pyrethroid (e.g. permethrin), substances that affect the nervous system of insects and disorientate them. Commercially they are sold in the following types: sprays (aerosols), tablets, volatile solution, spirals, etc. The manufacturer's directions should always be followed. Do not apply to the skin.

• By being careful during the times when it is most likely for us to get bitten. Most species of mosquitoes, which carry the disease bite from dusk until dawn.

• By wearing the appropriate clothing, i.e. clothes, which cover the body as much as possible (long sleeves and pants). More effective are light and loose clothes.

• By bathing frequently, in order to remove sweat.

• By warding off the mosquitoes at home.

• By installing mosquito nets on windows and balcony doors, and regularly checking and maintaining.

• By dumping still water from flower pots, basins, old tires, etc. in the garden, so that mosquitoes will not have access to them and lay their eggs. It should be noted that even soil that is moist for a long time may be suitable for the laying of the eggs of mosquitoes.

• By using fans or air conditioners. Cool air slows down the activity of mosquitoes, though it does not kill them.

• By regularly mowing the lawn and trimming bushes and leaves in the garden so adult mosquitoes won’t find shelter.

• By using yellow lamps for lighting of outdoor spaces (they attract less mosquitoes).

Tags: West Nile Virus mosquitoes cases repellents Erithros hospital
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