ATHENS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An elderly woman who was infected with the West Nile virus died of complications, Greek authorities reported on Wednesday.
The 90-year-old patient who was hospitalized with encephalitis caused by the virus is the first victim in Greece this summer, according to an announcement by the national Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO).
Scientists noted that the victim suffered from other health issues before contracting the virus.
Another two persons are currently hospitalized with complications caused by the virus, while a total of 12 cases have been recorded this year in Greece, according to KEELPNO.
In most cases patients suffered from mild symptoms and mainly elderly with other chronic illnesses faced severe complications, according to the Greek experts.
They advised the public to take measures to protect themselves against mosquitoes which can transmit the dangerous virus.
The West Nile virus was first detected in Greece in 2010, when 262 confirmed cases were recorded, among them 35 fatal. No cases were recorded in 2015 and 2016.
