Newsroom
Cyprus has recorded its first West Nile virus death of the year, as health officials reported that 10 cases have now been identified, most of them in the Nicosia district.
The patient who died was a 90-year-old man with underlying health conditions, pathologist and infectious disease specialist Aristos Aristodimou told the Cyprus News Agency.
The virus had caused a serious infection affecting his central nervous system.
“Some patients may not make it,” Aristodimou said, acknowledging that while most infections are mild or pass unnoticed, severe cases can be fatal.
By Thursday evening, seven cases had been confirmed, and another three were considered probable. Four of the confirmed patients were being treated in the hospital.
The growing tally is concerning because Cyprus reported its first known case of the year only in late August. Within approximately two weeks, that number has reached 10, and the country has recorded a death.
Health teams are carrying out tracing and mosquito-control measures whenever a case is reported. These include spraying around affected areas, checking homes and neighboring properties door to door, and locating places where mosquitoes may be breeding.
The process is repeated when necessary, Aristodimou said.
Most people never know they have it
West Nile virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito. It does not normally spread through everyday contact between people.
Most people who become infected develop no symptoms. Others may experience fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
In a smaller number of cases, however, the virus can attack the brain and nervous system, causing conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis. Older people, those with chronic illnesses, and anyone with a weakened immune system face a greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
Warning signs can include a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, unusual weakness, or difficulty moving. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should seek medical advice promptly, particularly if they are elderly or medically vulnerable.
There is no vaccine for people and no specific medicine that cures the infection. Patients with severe illness may need hospital care and supportive treatment.
Check the garden, balcony and yard
Authorities can spray streets and neighborhoods, but mosquitoes often breed much closer to home.
Even small amounts of standing water can become breeding grounds. Residents should empty water from plant saucers, buckets, toys, uncovered containers, and blocked gutters. Pet bowls and bird baths should be cleaned and refilled regularly rather than left with the same water.
People can also reduce their risk by using mosquito repellent, fitting screens to doors and windows, and wearing loose, long clothing outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn, when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active.
One mosquito bite will not automatically result in illness, and the majority of infected people will not become seriously sick. But the first death and the rise to 10 identified cases show that the virus is circulating locally and should no longer be treated as a distant threat.
For families with elderly relatives or people with underlying health problems, the message is simple: clear away standing water, prevent bites, and do not ignore sudden neurological symptoms.
