ATHENS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two elderly people over the age of 80 are the first victims of the West Nile virus in Greece this year, according to the weekly epidemiological surveillance report the National Public Health Organization (EODY) published on Thursday.

In particular, from the beginning of the epidemic surveillance until today, 25 cases of West Nile virus infection have been diagnosed and investigated in Greece. In 17 of the patients reported, the Central Nervous System (CNS) was affected (encephalitis and/or meningitis/acute flaccid paralysis) whereas 8 developed mild symptoms, such as fever.

The median age of patients with CNS manifestations is 77 years. Of all the 25 patients, 10 are hospitalized.

The areas where have been recorded cases of the virus in the country are Pieria, Katerini, Pella, Xanthi, Kavala, Larissa, Karditsa as well as in the East Attica and Mesogeia.

West Nile virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of infected "common" mosquitoes, according to experts.

The implementation of appropriate mosquito control programs and individual mosquito protection measures are the most appropriate measures to control the disease, noted EODY. Enditem

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