An elderly man from the village of Mammari in Cyprus is in critical condition in intensive care after being diagnosed with West Nile virus, health officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Herodotus Herodotou, Head of Health Services, told Sigma TV that following the diagnosis, immediate instructions were given for insecticide spraying in the area to identify potential mosquito breeding sites.
This is the first case of the virus in Cyprus for 2024, and “we didn’t find a large number of stagnant water sites”, Herodotou said.
He reassured the public that the virus does not transmit from person to person, but from mosquito to human.
Approximately 80% of those bitten typically remain asymptomatic, but individuals over 50 with health issues are at higher risk.
About 19% of those infected may experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, and joint pain. Only around 1% develop severe neurological symptoms, including meningitis or encephalitis.
When asked if the infected mosquito came from the occupied northern part of Cyprus, Herodotou mentioned a United Nations programme where health officials visit the buffer zone for spraying where stagnant water is found.
He urged the public to take preventive measures, such as removing standing water from their homes, even small sources like flower pots. “Wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evening is recommended to avoid bites,” Herodotou added.
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