Cases of West Nile virus are on the rise in Cyprus, with the total now standing at six confirmed and two probable cases.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program, physician and infectious disease specialist Aristos Aristodimou stated that we are on high alert, noting that cases are identified every year, however, the number is higher this year.
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“The truth is that this year’s numbers are higher compared to some previous years. We’ll see how this develops. It’s likely that the number of cases will increase.”
Mr. Aristodemou states that none of the cases involved a history of travel; rather, they were caused by specific mosquitoes found in Cyprus. He points out that the disease is not transmitted from person to person, nor do humans transmit it to mosquitoes.
It also notes that 80% of patients are asymptomatic, while the remaining 20% experience flu-like symptoms. Only 1% may develop a neuroinvasive disease, which primarily affects people aged 65 and older and those who are immunocompromised.
