First West Nile Virus Case of 2024 Confirmed in Cyprus

A patient with symptoms of West Nile virus has been admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Nicosia. The elderly resident from the village of Mammari is in critical condition.

Speaking on the Alpha News program, Herodotos Herodotou, the head of the health services, confirmed that this is the first case of West Nile virus reported in Cyprus in 2024. Preliminary findings suggest that the virus was transmitted by a mosquito, which had previously bitten an infected migratory bird.

Following the diagnosis, the Ministry of Health instructed health authorities to carry out spraying in the affected area to control the mosquito population.

"Since this morning, we’ve been conducting research in the area to identify mosquito breeding grounds and eliminate them with sprays. We spray standing water every two weeks to reduce mosquito populations," a health service representative stated.

It was also noted that Cyprus experiences a spike in mosquito activity during October and November due to the persistently high temperatures on the island.

Health professionals have advised the public to take precautionary measures, including wearing long-sleeved clothing at night, using insect repellents, installing window screens, removing stagnant water from outdoor areas, using fans and air conditioners, utilizing white light bulbs, and covering water pipes.