A ninth elderly person died of mosquito-borne West Nile virus in northern Greece last week, with 12 new cases bringing the total to 114. Scientists believe the primary hosts are migratory birds that nest in the country’s north and say the outbreak is likely to continue until the onset of cooler weather. More details.

Advice to travellers: As this alert and the one following confirm, West Nile virus currently is widespread in the Mediterranean. Travellers to the region should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. While WNV generally causes only mild flu-like symptoms, potentially fatal meningitis, encephalitis and other severe symptoms may occur, particularly in elderly patients.