Cyprus West Nile cases climb to 21 as blood screening stays in place
The island now has 21 locally acquired West Nile virus infections, the ECDC reports, while donated blood continues to be tested seasonally to keep transfusions safe.
Cyprus has reached 21 locally acquired West Nile virus cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), a jump from the 13 recorded in the agency's previous monthly tally. The centre's data run to 14 October 2026 and show infections across the EU and European Economic Area at an all-time high for this point in the year, as reported by the ECDC.
The ECDC counts a single affected area on the island, and its Cyprus figures may lag behind the latest updates from local authorities. Because many infected people show no symptoms, blood collected on the island is screened for the virus at certain times of the year.
Across 19 European countries, 1,926 locally acquired human cases had been logged by 14 October. Italy leads with 764, ahead of Greece (455), France (159), Spain (141) and Romania (121); transmission has appeared in 222 regions, and the virus reached the Netherlands and Belgium this season.
What it means for residents
For people living on the island, the practical effect is mostly about blood and mosquito bites rather than a change in daily routine. Donors who have spent time in an affected area may be asked to wait or to take a test before giving blood.
- Giving blood: expect a possible 28-day deferral after leaving a risk area unless a molecular test is negative.
- Outdoors: keep using repellent and covering up at dusk, when the mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active.
- Feeling unwell: fever or neurological symptoms after a bite are worth raising with a doctor, especially for older residents.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
