After experiencing heatstroke symptoms and the need for intubation, the 18-year-old national guardsman tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, although this does not necessarily imply that the virus caused his condition to be severe enough to warrant admission to the Intensive Care Unit.
In fact, the results of the relevant test he underwent were not clear regarding the viral load in his body, and thus, although a final diagnosis had not been made by yesterday evening, the indications pointed toward heatstroke.
However, this fact seems to be of great concern to doctors, as the symptoms presented by the 18-year-old, which led to his hospitalisation on Thursday afternoon, are identical to those exhibited by a 17-year-old conscript, also a commando, who was transferred to Nicosia General Hospital a week ago and then referred to a university transplant center in Paris for more specialised treatment.
Yesterday afternoon, a meeting was held at the Nicosia General Hospital with the participation of doctors from all relevant specialties.
The meeting aimed to review the results of the tests the 18-year-old had undergone up to that point. The data was recorded, and the doctors prepared a plan on which his further treatment will be based.
Later in the afternoon, the Nicosia General Hospital was visited by the Minister of Health, Michael Damianos, who was briefed on the patient’s condition, which, until yesterday evening, was still considered critical by the doctors.
Nevertheless, the case of the 18-year-old has intensified the concerns of Cypriot doctors, who, since last week, have been expressing various views on social media about the fact that individuals as young as these are presenting heatstroke symptoms and even requiring ICU admission.
Of course, as they noted, the occurrence of such symptoms in young people, especially those who exercise or train intensively, is not uncommon internationally. However, these cases are usually considered extreme.
Several doctors, including those from Nicosia Hospital where the two national guardsmen were treated, express concerns in three directions: firstly, whether all necessary protective measures are being taken during exercises in extremely high temperatures.
Secondly, whether the conditions (including the buildings) in this particular military unit could negatively affect the health of soldiers when high temperatures prevail, and thirdly, whether the health examinations that candidates undergo before being selected for commando units are comprehensive and based on relevant international standards.
The conditions, mainly the building conditions (regarding the construction of the barracks) in which the national guardsmen rest in this unit seem to be of particular concern to doctors, as both young men exhibited symptoms during their rest periods.
This particular issue, however, falls more under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard.
Regarding the 17-year-old being treated in Paris, philenews sources report that his health condition is improving, although no further information is being released to the public.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Andreas Stylianou, told the media that yesterday, the Commando Unit in Stavrovouni was visited by the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, to be briefed on both incidents.
Regarding the 18-year-old, he said, “He fell asleep and when he woke up, he felt dizzy. He was taken to the military doctor, who deemed it necessary to transfer him to Nicosia General Hospital. There, the doctors intubated him and put him in a medically induced coma to complete all the necessary tests.”
Regarding the measures taken by the National Guard during days of extremely high temperatures, the Ministry of Defence spokesperson said that “as soon as the Service of Meteorology began issuing warnings about high temperatures, steps were taken to reduce the capacity of the barracks for better ventilation, and measures were taken to ensure that each soldier receives an adequate amount of water – up to 3 litres per day”.
“In addition, all activities are carried out until 11:00 a.m., and the afternoon activities resume after 5:00 p.m. In the barracks without air conditioning, there are ceiling fans in working condition.”
