Malaria in Greece (Update)
14 Sep 2012
As of 3 September, the Greek health authority has reported 50 cases of malaria since the beginning of 2012.
Forty two cases were immigrants from malaria-endemic countries and were classified as imported, the remaining 8 were classified as locally acquired. Of those 8 cases, 4 were reported from the municipality of Evrotas, Laconia, and 4 from the department of East Attica in the Marathon area (2) and in Markopoulo (2). All samples were confirmed P. Vivax positive by the reference public health laboratory.
Advice for Travellers
The malaria risk for travellers is considered to be low since both areas are agricultural rather than touristic. Taking account of the present malaria situation in Greece, ECDC, the consulted experts from EuroTravNet and WHO do not recommend chemoprophylaxis for travellers to the agricultural areas of the Laconia region.
The use of standard mosquito biting prevention measures continues to be recommended.
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Further information on bite avoidance measures.