Glyfada, Greece, launches mosquito spraying after West Nile virus case confirmed

A case of West Nile virus infection was confirmed in the coastal suburb of Glyfada, prompting the municipality and the Attica regional authorities to initiate extensive preventive mosquito‑spraying operations on the early morning of 16 July. Teams from the Attica Mosquito Control Unit, together with the Glyfada municipality, sprayed streets around Zamanou, Nazer, Artemis, Hera, Foivos and Psaron, as well as other nearby roads. Mayor George Papanikolaou announced that warning ribbons and notices were placed at each treated site and advised residents not to hang clothes on balconies and to keep pets indoors during the work.

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) reiterated that West Nile virus is transmitted only through the bite of infected mosquitoes and not from person to person. Most infections are asymptomatic; a small proportion develop flu‑like symptoms, and severe cases can involve meningitis or encephalitis. As of 15 July, six confirmed cases had been recorded in Attica and Thessaly, with a seventh case later reported elsewhere in Greece. Health officials emphasized the use of insect repellents, window screens and the removal of standing water to limit mosquito breeding.

The coordinated response aims to reduce mosquito populations and prevent further transmission while keeping the public informed and reassured that there is no immediate cause for alarm.