Rise in Viral Diseases and Coronavirus in Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus has reported a surge in viral diseases, primarily gastroenteritis, bronchitis, and coronavirus. Personal physicians for both adult and minor patients have been put on high alert.
According to Mary Avraamides, Vice President of the Society of Family and Personal Physicians, many patients have recently sought medical help for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. She emphasized the importance of staying hydrated due to the high temperatures.
Additionally, Avraamides noted that there is a significant outbreak of coronavirus in the country, comparable to the winter months. Patients are experiencing fever, headaches, malaise, myalgia, sore throat, and cough. Often, multiple illnesses overlap.
It was previously reported that the number of new coronavirus cases in Cyprus is increasing daily. The island is currently experiencing a "highly contagious variant" of COVID-19, introduced to Europe from the USA. This variant is characterized as highly infectious but not particularly severe. Fifty patients have been hospitalized in state hospitals.
Emergency and urgent care departments are on standby, dealing with not only heat exhaustion cases but also patients with infections and coronavirus.
As a preventive measure, doctors recommend maintaining air conditioners properly.
"During the summer months, we see an increase in bronchitis, and often pneumonia, due to air conditioner use. They accumulate and then release viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens," the doctors noted.