West Nile virus: 14 cases and one death recorded in Cyprus
One person has died and 14 West Nile virus cases have been recorded in Cyprus this year, as Nicosia steps up daily mosquito-control operations across the capital.
One person has died and 14 cases of West Nile virus have been recorded in Cyprus so far this year, as Nicosia municipality continues daily mosquito-control operations across the capital, as reported by Cyprus Mail.
According to the health ministry's medical and public health services, nine of the 14 cases recorded up to September 17 have been confirmed, while five are considered probable. One patient with a serious medical history and underlying health conditions died after contracting the virus.
The latest figures come as Nicosia municipality said mosquito-control operations are being carried out daily, including at weekends, in areas where breeding grounds have been identified or complaints have been received from residents.
Treatments are being carried out along the Klimos, Kateva and Kotsirka river channels, as well as in drainage grates, rainwater wells, storm drains and other spots where stagnant water can collect. The municipality said its services regularly inspect known or suspected breeding grounds, including abandoned swimming pools, lift shafts at construction sites and open channels, with inspections extending to neighbouring properties where necessary.
According to the municipality, mosquito breeding grounds are found in around 60 per cent of cases either at the property from which a complaint was made or at a neighbouring property. Residents have been urged to regularly inspect their homes, gardens and outdoor areas and remove standing water, since even small amounts collected in buckets, plant saucers, pet bowls, gutters and unused swimming pools can serve as breeding grounds.
What it means for residents
West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites, so the practical response for anyone living on the island is to cut down standing water around the home and protect against bites, especially in the affected areas of Nicosia.
- Check your outdoor space weekly. Empty plant saucers, buckets, pet bowls and gutters, and cover or drain unused pools — these are the spots inspectors most often find breeding.
- Report problem sites. The municipality investigates complaints and can extend checks to neighbouring properties, so a call can trigger action on your street.
- Reduce bite risk. Use repellents and window screens, particularly around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
