Cyprus has recorded four confirmed cases of West Nile virus so far this year, according to Elisavet Constantinou, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Health, who described the situation as being under control.
Two additional cases are currently classified as probable and remain under investigation. Further laboratory testing is required to determine whether they meet the case definition for West Nile virus infection.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Tuesday, Constantinou said the four confirmed infections were recorded during the summer months.
Most infections are asymptomatic
Constantinou noted that the disease is largely asymptomatic.
According to her, in a significant majority of cases, estimated at around 80% or more, infected individuals do not develop symptoms.
She described the current situation as controlled, adding that a larger outbreak would likely result in significantly higher hospital admissions.
"I believe the situation is under control because if we had large numbers of cases, we would also have many patients requiring hospitalisation. There would not be only four cases, there would be many more."
Prevention measures
Constantinou stressed that prevention begins at an individual level, urging the public to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
"Every citizen must ensure that they protect themselves from mosquito bites."
She advised people visiting areas where water is present to wear:
- Long-sleeved clothing.
- Long trousers.
She also recommended the use of insect repellents and measures around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
"We should not have stagnant water in buckets, flower pots or old vehicle tyres around our homes. We must eliminate mosquito breeding grounds."
She added that:
- Air conditioners.
- Fans.
can help keep mosquitoes away, while insecticide spraying may also be useful.
Greater risk for vulnerable groups
Constantinou said elderly people and vulnerable groups face a higher risk of severe illness than the general population.
"That is why we need to take additional precautions for older people and vulnerable individuals."
How the virus spreads
She clarified that West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person.
Instead, infection occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito.
According to Constantinou, the likelihood of infected mosquitoes being present in Cyprus remains relatively low because case numbers are currently limited.
Testing and imported cases
West Nile virus infection is diagnosed through blood testing, she said.
Asked whether the confirmed cases were linked primarily to travel, Constantinou replied that this was the case.
"The cases are imported."
Ministry response
According to Constantinou, the Ministry of Health has been addressing the issue for some time and has implemented a range of precautionary measures.
She said environmental health teams are carrying out mosquito-control programmes and spraying operations in areas where mosquito breeding sites have been identified.
"We have teams of environmental health workers who carry out spraying in areas where mosquito breeding sites exist and take special measures."
The ministry has also issued fresh guidance to doctors, reminding them of the symptoms associated with the virus and the appropriate laboratory tests.
The aim is to ensure clinicians remain alert to the possibility of West Nile virus when making diagnoses and submit samples for testing when appropriate.
In addition, blood collection services have been informed and are conducting specialised testing on blood samples.
"The Ministry of Health is fully activated, has taken action and is implementing all appropriate measures for this disease," Constantinou said.
She added:
"There is no reason for concern. We are monitoring developments closely and remain vigilant."
Source: CNA
