An elderly man from Mammari has been diagnosed with the West Nile virus and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital, marking the first case in Cyprus for 2024.
Herodotos Herodotou, Head of Health Services, confirmed the incident and stated that officials inspected the area around the patient’s home, finding no significant mosquito breeding sites within a 500-metre radius.
Targeted spraying was conducted near the house, but Herodotou said spraying the entire village was unnecessary.
Spraying continues throughout Cyprus in areas with stagnant water, Herodotou added.
The Ministry of Health has issued a reminder about the virus, emphasising that it is primarily transmitted through infected “common” mosquito bites and is not transmitted from person to person through normal social contact.
Key points from the Ministry’s statement include:
- The virus has an incubation period of 2-14 days.
- Most infected individuals show no or mild symptoms, with less than 1% developing severe illness affecting the nervous system.
- Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.
- Transmission can occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and rarely from mother to foetus.
The Ministry has outlined preventive measures, including:
- Wearing appropriate clothing
- Using insect repellents
- Installing anti-mosquito screens on windows and doors
- Removing stagnant water sources around homes
- Using fans or air conditioners to deter mosquitoes
Health authorities emphasise there is no cause for alarm as the virus does not spread between humans. However, they urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases.
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