Newsroom
A person infected with West Nile virus is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Nicosia General Hospital, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
Health authorities said the case is being investigated and that additional mosquito-control measures will be taken where necessary.
West Nile virus is mainly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds and can subsequently transmit it to people and animals.
The virus does not normally spread between people through everyday social or sexual contact, and healthcare workers cannot contract it simply by treating an infected hospital patient.
Cyprus records sporadic West Nile virus infections from time to time, with cases occurring mainly during the summer months. Symptoms generally appear between two and 14 days after an infected mosquito bite.
Most people who contract the virus either have no symptoms or develop only mild illness. In fewer than 1% of infections, however, the virus can cause serious neurological disease, including encephalitis, meningitis or paralysis.
People over the age of 50 and those who are immunocompromised or have chronic underlying conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
How the virus can spread
Mosquito bites are by far the main route of transmission. In rare circumstances, the virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy and through breastfeeding has also been reported in a very small number of cases.
The Ministry's Infectious Disease Epidemiological Surveillance and Control Unit is carrying out an epidemiological investigation of the confirmed case in cooperation with the Health Services. Authorities are also maintaining contact with laboratories conducting diagnostic testing and with public health organisations abroad, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Measures include increased monitoring of suspected infections, safeguards relating to blood transfusions and intensified mosquito-control operations.
Advice from health authorities
The public is being urged to reduce exposure to mosquitoes, particularly from afternoon through the morning, by wearing long sleeves and trousers and using suitable insect repellents outdoors.
Authorities also recommend installing mosquito screens on windows and doors and using mosquito nets where appropriate. Standing water should be removed from gardens and around homes, including from plant pots, vases, gutters, old tyres and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.
Keeping grass, bushes and vegetation trimmed can remove areas where adult mosquitoes shelter. Fans and air conditioning can also reduce mosquito activity indoors.
People can further reduce mosquito activity by watering plants in the morning, using yellow outdoor lighting and ensuring swimming-pool and fountain filtration systems are operated daily.
The Health Ministry said there is no need for public alarm because West Nile virus is not normally transmitted directly from one person to another. Authorities remain on alert and are continuing to implement preventive measures.
Anyone with a suspected West Nile virus infection can contact the Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control Unit on 22605759 or 22605652, or by email at Cycomnet@cytanet.com.cy.
