The Hellenic Center for Infectious Diseases Control (KEEL) yesterday launched an epidemiological investigation following the recent death of a 49-year-old woman from Komotini, northeastern Greece, who was bitten by a disease-carrying tick. KEEL scientists and local authority officials meeting in the northern city agreed that livestock on local farms would be sprayed with insecticide to kill any ticks carrying the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever that killed the woman. On Monday state veterinarians are to tour the region, taking samples for tests. Farmers have been advised to keep their skin covered when handling animals.

The National Meteorological Service (EMY) warned yesterday that temperatures would reach 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit) in the Peloponnese and other parts of the country by mid-week and said those who were more vulnerable, such as infants and the elderly, should remain in cool areas. The heat wave is forecast to start on Tuesday when temperatures will range from 35C (95F) on the islands to 41C (105.8F) in the Peloponnese.

The fire service battled several blazes yesterday, including two at Markopoulo, northeast of Athens. The first broke out in an illegal dump on the site of a disused quarry while the second, which was reported last night, started at a rubbish collection point. A fire was also reported late yesterday in a forested area on Mount Mainalo in the Peloponnese.

The future of the European Union and regional cooperation as well as bilateral ties are expected to be at the forefront of discussions between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Zapatero when the latter makes an official visit to Athens on Thursday. Diplomatic sources said yesterday that one of the main topics of conversation will be the formation of a Mediterranean Union. Greece and Spain have already declared their support for the project.

Train operator TRAINOSE said yesterday that timetables on July 10, 11 and 17 will be subject to changes due to a strike by railway workers. More details will be published on Monday by the company but passengers can also call 1110 for more information.

Publisher and TV presenter Themos Anastasiadis is due to appear before magistrate Dimitris Economou early next week as part of the investigation into the alleged blackmail of former Culture Ministry general secretary Christos Zachopoulos, court sources said yesterday. Anastasiadis has withdrawn an application for Economou to be removed from the case and has instead filed a suit against the magistrate for abuse of power. Anastasiadis has said he is willing to face questioning and this is likely to take place on Monday or Tuesday, as another journalist from the Proto Thema newspaper, of which Anastasiadis is the publisher, is due to appear in court on Wednesday.