The Athens Medical Association (ISA) said on Monday that it had concerns following the confirmation of two people infected with the West Nile Virus in Greece this year. The incidents, announced on Friday by the National Public Health Organisation, were noted in two regions in northern Greece – Katerini and Xanthi.

The ISA stated that the Greek government has shown negligence in recent years by failing to take the necessary precautions to combat the virus. “As a result, the virus has now established itself in our country,” it said.

READ MORE: Greek visitors urged to protect themselves against West Nile virus outbreak

There were 316 infections of the virus reported in 2018 of which 50 were fatal.

Symptoms of the West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. It is spread to humans by mosquitoes.