Cyprus is grappling with a surge of viral infections and a relentless heatwave, straining the healthcare system and prompting warnings from medical professionals.
Temperatures have consistently reached 40 degrees Celsius, contributing to a rise in heat exhaustion cases.
Doctors are also reporting numerous cases of COVID-19, gastroenteritis, coxsackievirus, strep throat in children, bronchitis, and respiratory infections across all age groups.
“COVID-19 appears to be on the rise in the community in recent weeks,” said paediatricians and adult personal physicians. They highlighted an increase in both COVID-19 cases and other infections among individuals of all ages this summer.
Dr Mary Avraamidou, a personal physician, noted a rise in bronchitis and viral gastroenteritis cases, including COVID-19. Dr Michalis Savvides, another personal physician, emphasised the unusual prevalence of bronchitis and respiratory infections during the summer.
“We are seeing an increased number of cases of bronchitis and viral gastroenteritis, and certainly COVID-19,” Avraamidou told Phileleftheros, while Savvides pointed out that “the increased number of bronchitis and other respiratory infections is certainly not something we often encounter during the summer months.”
Both doctors attributed the increase in COVID-19 cases to factors such as frequent travel, gatherings, and prolonged exposure to air-conditioned spaces. Dr Savvides also observed that many citizens develop COVID-19 symptoms after travelling abroad.
Children are not immune to the surge in viral infections. Dr Michalis Anastasiades, President of the Pediatric Society of Cyprus, reported an increase in COVID-19, coxsackievirus, gastroenteritis, and strep throat cases among children.
Pediatrician Lambrini Markaki attributed the continued transmission of viruses to ongoing summer school attendance. She also noted a rise in respiratory infections, which is atypical for this time of year, and an increase in swimmer’s ear cases due to beach and pool activities.
Official data from the Ministry of Health reveals a 22.8% positivity rate for COVID-19 during the week of July 8-14, with a significant increase observed in younger age groups.
While the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients remains manageable, the heatwave has led to a surge in heat exhaustion cases at Accident and Emergency Departments.
Charalambos Charilaou, spokesperson for SHSO, warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity, particularly at beaches and pools, can weaken individuals and lead to heatstroke.
Since mid-June, three people have lost their lives due to heatstroke.
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