The issue of West Nile virus was discussed at a meeting of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health on Thursday, with the Turkish Cypriot side briefed on cases and the death of a patient who had contracted the virus in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.
According to a statement issued by the Turkish Cypriot “health ministry”, measures have been taken in the north to prevent the spread of the virus.
Preventive measures strengthened near affected areas
The statement said Turkish Cypriot “health minister” Hakan Dinçyürek had also spoken by telephone with Nicosia Turkish Cypriot “mayor” Mehmet Harmancı, with the two exchanging views on the situation.
Preventive measures by the “municipality” have been strengthened in areas close to locations in the government-controlled areas where West Nile virus cases have been detected, the statement said.
The Turkish Cypriot “health ministry” also informed the “union of municipalities” and called for simultaneous preventive measures to be maximised across the island.
The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Most infected people develop no symptoms or experience mild illness, although in some cases the virus can cause serious neurological disease.
Source: CNA
