Nicosia: Four confirmed West Nile virus cases have been recorded in Cyprus to date, with the situation being under control, according to Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Elisavet Constantinou. Two additional cases are considered probable and remain under investigation, requiring further laboratory testing to determine if they meet the case definition for West Nile virus infection.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Constantinou stated that the cases were documented during the summer and emphasized that most patients are asymptomatic. She noted that in a majority of cases, approximately 80% or more, symptoms do not present. Constantinou reassured that the situation is manageable, asserting that the number of hospitalizations would be significantly higher if there were a larger outbreak.
Constantinou highlighted the importance of individual preventive measures, urging citizens to protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers in areas with standing water, using insect repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around homes. She also emphasized the need for more protective measures for the elderly and vulnerable populations, given their increased risk.
She clarified that the virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, not from person to person, and reassured that the probability of encountering infected mosquitoes is low due to the limited number of cases in Cyprus. Diagnostic methods for the disease involve blood testing, and the confirmed cases are believed to be travel-related.
Additionally, Constantinou mentioned that state-level preventive measures are in place, with health inspectors spraying areas with mosquito breeding sites. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely, taking all appropriate actions to manage the disease, ensuring there is no cause for public concern.