Malaria in Greece Reported This Summer

More cases of malaria in Greece are reported this summer. Ex-pats Living in Greece and holiday makers should not be concerned but be on their guard.

To be more specific, six cases of the Plasmodium vivax form of malaria have been reported between June 2011 and up to August 18, 2011 in Lakonia (Laconia) in the Peloponnese and Chalkida in the Evoia region. This is the third year running of the Plasmodium vivax occurrences in those places.

Details of the incidence of Malaria in Greece are at the UK's Health Protection Agency website.

According to advice from the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office on travel to Greece, the risk of catching malaria while in the Balkan country remains extremely low, so there is no need to take anti-malarial treatments. Holiday makers, like ex-pats should continue to locate themselves in Greece, even the areas of the Peloponnese and Evoia mentioned. They should be vigilant and take measures to prevent being bitten (which will also protect against West Nile Virus, another mosquito-borne disease). They should seek medical advice promptly if they experience symptoms of malaria, typically a fever, headache, muscle pains and sometimes accompanied by night sweats.

Further information is available from the UK's National Travel Health Network Centre.

In Greece in 2010 around 200 cases of the West Nile virus were reported and successfully treated. The disease while unpleasant is not usually life threatening to anyone enjoying the ex-pat life in Greece. Holiday makers planning to go to the Lakonia or Chalkida areas should take sensible precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes - as should anytime, anywhere. These include covering the shoulders, arms and legs particularly in the early evenings and when sleeping.