Holidaymakers heading to Greece are being warned to protect themselves against mosquito bites following an outbreak of West Nile virus.
It comes after there were more than 300 recorded cases last year and 50 deaths.
Health officials have issued recommendations for how holidaymakers can prevent the virus.
Transmission of the virus occurs when mosquitos are most active, between July and September.
Greece is set to receive 31 million visitors this year and holidaymakers are urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites since there is no vaccine for the outbreak. Italy, Cyprus, Romania and Serbia have also seen an increase in cases of West Nile virus.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises: “You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes, for example using mosquito repellent when outdoors and closing doors or windows or using screens.”
The NHS and the UK Health Service are also urging the use of insect sprays and mosquito nets in high risk areas.
Only one in five people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, or rash, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, severe illness can cause meningitis and encephalitis and acute paralysis.
Consequently, steps are being taken in Greece to control infection outbreak this year. The US embassy in Athens has issued a health alert encouraging citizens to take preventative measures, including cleaning up mosquito breeding areas.
The NHS advises that if you develop symptoms of WNV while you're travelling you should check your travel insurance for how to get medical help while you're away.
They add that if you notice symptoms when you get home, make sure to tell your GP where you’ve been travelling.
