There has been growing concern in recent days in the Nicosia District due to mosquito breeding sites in various areas.
The Municipality of Nicosia issued a statement yesterday informing residents that, as part of its ongoing and systematic efforts to prevent and control mosquitoes, it has intensified its efforts following recent rainfall in areas where breeding sites have been identified or where complaints have been received from residents. Work is carried out on a daily basis and continues even on weekends, using appropriate and approved pesticides.
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In Engomi, Alpha TV reporter Eleni Fanari was on the scene with her camera and spoke with Panikos Konstantinou, Deputy Mayor of the Engomi Municipal District.
“From the very beginning, we listened to our residents’ concerns and took the necessary steps through our public health department. We have carried out targeted spraying, identified problem areas—such as the Klimos River on the outskirts near Lakatamia, next to the state fairgrounds here in Engomi, next to the cemetery, and toward Agios Dometios. I believe we’ve done a pretty good job, and we’ll continue. This was preceded by heavy rainfall and high temperatures—conditions that favor mosquito hatching.”
READ ALSO: Mosquito Surge: The Municipality of Nicosia Is Focusing Its Intensive Efforts on These Areas
Intensive control efforts are underway along the channels of the Klimou, Kateva, and Kotsirka rivers, as well as in the grates of the covered sections of the rivers, where breeding sites have been identified. Interventions are also being carried out at storm drains and other locations where standing water accumulates.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the Engomi area. Among other things, interventions have been carried out in the Klimou area, from the border of Lakatamia to Agios Dometios, at locations near the cemetery and the State Fairgrounds, as well as in the open canal along Iroon Street. Work and inspections have also been carried out on the gratings along the Klimou pedestrian walkway and in the area of 28th of October Avenue.
At the same time, the relevant municipal departments are systematically inspecting recorded potential mosquito breeding sites, such as homes with abandoned swimming pools, elevator shafts in buildings, open canals, and other locations where stagnant water may accumulate. At the same time, all complaints submitted by residents are being investigated. When investigating each complaint, the relevant departments do not limit their efforts to the residence or location reported, but also proactively inspect neighboring properties to identify potential breeding sites.
SEE ALSO: Mosquito outbreak in Nicosia following the rains; intensive spraying by the Municipality
For his part, Michalis Lagos, Director of Health Services for the Municipality of Nicosia, speaking to Alpha TV, stated that the municipal service’s response was immediate.
“We are living in a time of climate change. New species of mosquitoes have appeared, which, beyond being a nuisance, also have real implications for public health. We discussed this at length in the City Council as well. The bites we’re seeing come either from mosquitoes or from the so-called “sknipa,” an insect that thrives in damp conditions and vegetation.”
According to the First Health Officer of the Municipality of Nicosia, Efi Hatzikosti, mosquitoes are always present in Cyprus; however, at this time of year, due to rainfall and high temperatures, the ideal “conditions” for their proliferation have been created.
“The West Nile virus is associated with mosquitoes; it is transmitted by them, and there are various carriers that carry the virus. In addition to the breeding sites we are combating, every resident should check their yard—for example, the saucers under flower pots—which are breeding sites where mosquitoes can hatch.”
SEE ALSO: 14 cases of West Nile virus infection
