Nicosia: No cases of the Chikungunya virus have been recorded in Cyprus, the Health Ministry reported, noting that although the virus is not currently present, the mosquitoes capable of transmitting it do exist on the island. Thus, surveillance and prevention measures are being enforced.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Virology, Dr. Peter Karayiannis, mentioned that Cyprus is not currently at risk from the Chikungunya virus, though the potential threat is considered remote. The Health Ministry has clarified that while the virus is absent in Cyprus, the presence of the vector mosquitoes necessitates precautionary measures.
The Ministry has identified that these mosquitoes primarily bite during daylight hours and thrive in stagnant water found near residential areas. It has outlined symptoms of the disease, noting the common onset of high fever, severe joint pain, headache, myalgia, and fatigue two to seven days post-bite. Although the disease generally resolves within days, joint pain may persist for weeks or months.
To mitigate risk, the Ministry advises the public to use insect repellents, wear long clothing, especially during dawn and dusk, install screens on doors and windows, and eliminate stagnant water from potential breeding sites like flowerpots and containers. Individuals returning from regions where the virus is endemic and experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact their personal doctors promptly.
Dr. Karayiannis explained to CNA that the Chikungunya virus is not new, but recent outbreaks have occurred in tropical and subtropical areas where its mosquito carriers are endemic. Transmission occurs through bites from infected mosquitoes, with no direct human-to-human transmission. He noted the recent invasion of these mosquitoes in southern European countries, including Cyprus.
He highlighted two mosquito species, Aedes albopticus and Aedes aegypti, which also carry dengue and the Zika virus. Dr. Karayiannis assured that while the risk to Cyprus remains low, it is real, as evidenced by minor indigenous transmissions in places like France. Nonetheless, for Cyprus, the probability of widespread transmission remains remote.