Dr. Zoe Pana, a professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology.
As she noted, since 2020, most European countries—and particularly in Southeast Europe—have seen increased transmissibility of the West Nile virus, with infections and cases now being recorded even during the summer months. She explained that, since the primary vector is the common Culex mosquito, the presence of the virus in Europe is not merely a sporadic phenomenon.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“We will see it every year in Europe.”
“For Europe, this infection will occur every year,” she noted, while also emphasizing the need for people to be aware of both the symptoms and preventive measures.
Heat and humidity favor the spread of the virus
High temperatures, humidity, and a prolonged summer create favorable conditions for the virus to circulate and for mosquitoes to survive and reproduce.According to Dr. Pana, these conditions can prolong the period during which infected mosquitoes are active, thereby increasing the likelihood of infection transmission.Special attention is needed in areas with stagnant or standing water, marshes, and other mosquito breeding grounds.
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How the virus is transmitted
Responding to the question of how the West Nile virus “arrives” in Europe and what happens during the winter months, Dr. Pana explained that the virus primarily uses migratory birds as a reservoir.Infected mosquitoes bite the birds, become infected themselves, and can then transmit the virus to humans through a bite. However, as she emphasized, not all mosquitoes are infected. It is only a percentage of mosquitoes, a fact that is important for the public to know.
What are the symptoms?
In a large percentage of cases, infection with the West Nile virus may cause no symptoms at all.As Dr. Pana noted, more than 80% of people exposed to the virus will not develop symptoms or realize they have been infected.About 20% may experience mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, malaise, and muscle aches.In a very small percentage of cases—about 1%—the infection may affect the central nervous system and cause serious illness, such as meningitis or encephalitis.The diagnosis can be confirmed by laboratory antibody tests or PCR, depending on the case.
Special Attention to Vulnerable Groups
Dr. Pana emphasized that vulnerable groups should take special protective measures, especially in areas with a high mosquito population.Basic preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, the use of screens on doors and windows, avoiding exposure to mosquitoes, particularly during peak activity hours, and removing standing water around homes and other areas.At the same time, as he noted, it is important for local and national authorities to conduct ongoing monitoring and take appropriate measures.
“Healthcare personnel must also take measures”
Dr. Pana also made special mention of the role of healthcare personnel in the early recognition of serious cases.A person may present at a healthcare facility with symptoms suggestive of encephalitis or meningitis and ultimately test positive for the West Nile virus.
“It is important for Cyprus to recognize the symptoms,” he emphasized, noting that the initial symptoms may be nonspecific and resemble a common viral infection.
Fever, malaise, and muscle aches may be the first signs. In more severe cases, however, confusion, altered level of consciousness, or loss of consciousness—symptoms that should raise suspicion of central nervous system involvement.
She specifically cited a case in Greece where a patient presented with symptoms of confusion and was ultimately diagnosed with encephalitis.Early recognition of symptoms, both by the general public and by healthcare professionals, is therefore considered particularly important, as infection with the West Nile virus can, in rare cases, progress to a serious neurological disease.
Prevention remains the most important defense, with particular emphasis on protection against mosquito bites and the elimination of breeding sites.
