Insect control

The Athens Medical Association (ISA) is urging the public to take all necessary precautions in view of the spread of West Nile virus.
In a statement Friday, ISA advised people to spray insect repellent on their skin and clothing, and to use mosquito nets, fans or air conditioners and yellow bug lights.

Heralding the start of the mosquito season in Greece, the country's new National Organization for Public Health (EODY) - which replaces the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) - on Thursday urged the public to protect themselves and their families from West Nile and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

World Water Forum, the world's biggest water-related event organized by the World Water Council, opened in the Brazilian capital city of Brasilia on Monday.

The event was attended by Brazil President Michel Temer who advocated increased access to water and said his administration is preparing a new law to modernize the country's regulation of sanitation.

The Health Ministry has sent a circular to regional authorities across the country asking them to initiate their annual mosquito control programs, calling for particular attention to be paid in areas where there have been outbreaks of malaria and West Nile virus in previous years.