The Ministry of Health of Cyprus reported on Thursday, 3 September, that to date six cases of West Nile virus infection have been laboratory-confirmed, with two more cases under investigation as suspected.
The ministry stressed that the epidemiological situation is under constant monitoring. Of the six infected people, three are receiving inpatient treatment in hospitals. Unfortunately, one elderly patient who had underlying chronic diseases has died. None of the patients had recently travelled abroad, which allows the conclusion that the infection is of local origin — transmission occurred through mosquito bites on the territory of Cyprus.
Ministry representatives emphasised that the virus is not transmitted from person to person. The only route of infection is the bite of an infected mosquito. This information is particularly important to prevent unjustified panic among the population. In response to the spread of the infection, government services are taking all necessary measures to contain the outbreaks. Key actions include thorough contact tracing of patients, carrying out disinsection treatments (spraying) in the areas where the infected people live, and monitoring nearby water bodies that may serve as breeding sites for vector mosquitoes.
The Ministry of Health also noted that confirmation of one or two more cases is expected during the current day. This indicates that the process of identifying infected people is continuing and that the healthcare system is operating in an intensified diagnostic mode. It should be recalled that the first case of infection was recorded in mid-August. At that time a 74-year-old man tested positive for the virus and was hospitalised in the intensive care unit of Nicosia General Hospital in a serious condition.
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health Elisavet Konstantinou stated that the situation remains under control, as the number of infections has not led to a critical increase in hospitalisations. However, the death of the elderly patient with weakened health underlines that the virus poses a serious danger to risk groups. The authorities continue to urge citizens to observe individual protective measures against mosquito bites — using repellents, wearing covering clothing, and eliminating stagnant water near dwellings. The situation remains under control, and the ministry is ready to respond promptly to any changes in the epidemiological situation.
Source: cyprus-mail.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/virus-zapadnogo-nila-kipre-zabolevshix
