Three West Nile virus cases in the north

Turkish Cypriot media say authorities in the north have detected three cases of the West Nile virus, while officials in the south are still waiting for tests on one possible case.

According to local media, Turkish Cypriot health officials sent samples to Turkey in order to confirm three cases of the West Nile virus detected in the north. Officials also clarified that a West Nile infection is not transmitted from one human to another.

Only one suspected case in the south

Sources told Knews that a similar case may have been discovered in the Republic of Cyprus in the south, however officials were still waiting for lab tests to confirm or deny the occurence, adding that there was no cause for alarm.

A statement from the state Medical and Public Health Services office is expected on Friday regarding the West Nile virus.

According to Kathimerini Cyprus, new West Nile virus cases were also recorded last week in Greece according to official figures, bringing the total number of cases up to ten this summer. Seven patients have been released from hospital while three remain hospitalized for treatment.

A West Nile infection is typically caused by a mosquito-transmitted virus, with most people infected either never develop signs or symptoms or they may have only minor symptoms. However, some people develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the spinal cord or brain.

Experts say exposure to mosquitoes where West Nile virus exists increases the risk of getting infected.