The Cyprus Health Ministry has confirmed the first death from the Western Nile virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
It said of the nine cases detected so far one elderly person has died, two are in intensive care units, two more are being treated at a clinic and four have recovered and been discharged.
Four cases were registered in Nicosia, four more in the Famagusta region and one in the Larnaca district. All cases involve elderly people with a neuro-invasive form of the disease.
The Medical and Public Health Services said they were “not aware of any further increase in cases in areas not controlled by the Republic”.
Authorities assured that since the first case was recorded a series of preventative actions were deployed to keep the public safe
Due to the heavy winter rainfall there has been an increase in hatching areas due to stagnant water. Instructions have been given to intensify checks and to spray the mosquitoes in public areas.
Flyers have been published, advising the public to take measures on a personal level and a media awareness campaign.
It is believed that some cases are due to water that has remained stagnant in plants and pots.
The public is advised to take precautionary measures which include wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers, especially around dusk.
Although the Ministry underlines that there is no cause for concern as the virus does not spread from person to person, it urges the public to take all precautionary measures and if they suspect a case of Western Nile to inform the Centre for Infectious diseases on 22605601.
If the problem is severe, an insect repellent can be used when outdoors. Insecticides containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or eucalyptus essential oils last longer.
At home, the public is urged to use screens on windows and doors, remove stagnant water from old tyres, repair leaking taps and anywhere or anything which mosquitoes can use for hatching their eggs.
The use of fans and air conditioners although cannot kill the mosquitoes, decreases their activity.
Yards should also be cleaned from falling leaves and grass cut. Watering is best done in the morning, while the use of yellow lighting attracts less mosquitoes.
In about 80% of infections people have few or no symptoms, although 20% can develop a fever, headache, vomiting, or a rash while risks for severe disease include being over 60 years old and having other health problems.
