The first death from the West Nile virus has been confirmed, just a few days after an alert was issued regarding the virus’s appearance on the island. The victim was a 90-year-old man with underlying health conditions and a particularly severe medical history, who was being treated at Nicosia General Hospital.
According to what experts have been saying for days, in a very small percentage of the population—just 1%— the infection can affect the central nervous system and cause severe illness, even leading to death.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The majority of those who become ill—nearly 80%—are asymptomatic, and about 20% experience mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, malaise, and muscle aches.
So far, seven cases have been confirmed in our country, most of which were identified in the Nicosia District.
“Three more cases are currently under investigation. Some of the patients who required hospitalization due to their symptoms have already been discharged.” Dimitris Konstantinou, Press Officer, Ministry of Health
All standard procedures are underway, and all necessary measures are being taken for every confirmed case.
“The Ministry of Health is on high alert and is conducting an immediate epidemiological investigation of every reported case; furthermore, in collaboration with public health services, protocols for the control andmosquito control protocols are being activated in the affected areas.” Dimitris Konstantinou, Press Officer, Ministry of Health
The virus is not transmitted from person to person but through infected mosquitoes. Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic underlying conditions are at greater risk of severe illness.
“The Ministry of Health recommends that the public—and especially high-risk groups—consistently take personal protective measures against mosquito bites.” Ministry of Health
Greece
The circulation of the virus remains at elevated levels in Greece as well, with health authorities on high alert. So far, 24 people have lost their lives—all over the age of 65—while a total of 290 cases have been recorded.
Rest of Europe
Cases of the virus have been reported in at least 13 other European countries. Among them are Italy with 428 cases, Spain with 79, Romania with 45, and France with 28.
In fact, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control notes in its latest report that there are regions where cases have appeared for the first time during this year’s transmission season.
Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou
