Epidemiological data for WNV in Greece during last decade

Abstract

WNV is a single strand RNA zoonotic virus, responsible for mild fever to severe, lethal neuroinvasive disease. The aim of the study is to investigate and record the epidemiological data on WNV in Greece during last 10 years. Furthermore, to approach the main causes of the incidences and the factors that contribute in the virus epidemiology, the geographic areas and the time period of virus circulation, as well as the areas of the incidences’ appearance based on the data from the entomological surveillance that take place in Greece. Moreover, to investigate the possibility of WNV disease to become an endemic one. We reviewed published papers, articles, studies, review articles, books, in PubMed NCBI, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, CDC, ECDC, WHO, that refer to epidemiological surveillance data and guidelines for WNV in Greece during last decade. The search carried out in July 2022. During 2010-2014 and 2017-2021, confirmed cases from WNV have been declared in several areas all over Greece, especially during summer and autumn when the mosquitoes circulation is present. Last decade WNV shows an increased rate, mainly in areas of Central Macedonia and Attica. The causes of WNV appearance are the climate change, the ecosystem disturbance and the economic crisis that leads to sprays reduction. To deal with the endemicity of the disease, in the frames of Public Health protections, actions of entomological surveillance were carried out during the transmission period in 2020. Summarizing, through continuing epidemiological disease surveillance, the mosquito control via integrated programs, as well as the personal safety measures against mosquitoes still represent the most accepted measures for the disease control.