Central Macedonia launches mosquito spraying to combat West Nile virus

Authorities in Central Macedonia, Greece, are implementing mosquito control measures to protect public health and mitigate the risk of West Nile virus. The Region of Central Macedonia has scheduled aerial ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying operations across approximately 120,000 stremmata of rice fields in the Thessaloniki and Imathia regional units from August 24 to August 26, 2026.

These aerial operations will be conducted via specialized helicopters at sunset and are designed to target uninhabited areas at least two kilometers away from residential settlements. The decision follows epidemiological and entomological monitoring in the region.

In addition to the regional aerial efforts, local measures include targeted spraying in the settlement of Chariessa within the Naousa municipality. Residents in areas undergoing spraying are advised to remain indoors during the operations and to move beehives away from the application sites. The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Culex mosquitoes, which contract the virus from birds.