Rainfall in August—and in some cases, hail—is an unusual phenomenon that promotes mosquito breeding because it creates standing water and causes rivers to rise, which provide an ideal environment for reproduction, microbiologist Dr. Petros Karagiannis told CNA. He explains that due to climate change, these phenomena will become increasingly frequent and intense.
“It rains quite a bit even in the summer now. Rivers are rising, so it’s only natural that water will pool in some puddles and riverbeds, and this is an ideal breeding ground. There is serious concern because they now bite during the day, rather than early in the morning or at night. “Inflammation develops at the bite site, and sometimes these inflammations take a long time to subside,” he said when asked about the issue by KYPE.
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Dr. Karagiannis reiterates his calls for the use of insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing, mosquito coils, or special bracelets as protective measures against bites. He also notes that in the evenings, those who do not use air conditioning should use a fan, because when the air is circulated, the situation can improve. It also notes that any containers with water should be removed from yards, in particular.
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Dr. Karagiannis notes that, as far as Cyprus is concerned, the only disease-carrying mosquito is the West Nile mosquito. “We’re not like the southern European countries—Italy, France, Spain—which have cases of the Chikungunya virus and mosquitoes that carry yellow fever or dengue fever. For us, this is a remote scenario, and only imported cases could occur; therefore, I believe the risk does not exist,” he explains.
He noted that as for diseases of the past, such as malaria, they may occur in some countries if the mosquito spreads; however, in that case, vaccines and pills are available.
He also noted that the tiger mosquito, which can transmit diseases, has arrived in Cyprus, but expressed hope for a harsh winter so that their numbers will decrease.
READ ALSO: Why Nicosia Is Overrun with Mosquitoes: Where Breeding Sites Are Located and Where Spraying Has Taken Place
“We, as the EU—and certainly the ECDC as well—must focus on surveillance and take appropriate scientific measures regarding diagnostics, rapid tests, and perhaps the potential development of vaccines or antiviral drugs. I believe that in the future we will face problems due to the climate crisis as well,” he explained to KYPE.
He also said that local authorities are doing everything they can with spraying, but there are also remote areas in the mountains that are inaccessible. It would be better, he says, to focus on residential areas, such as in Nicosia near the Linear Park, where stagnant water provides an ideal breeding ground.
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