West Nile Virus Detected in Nicosia

The Ministry of Health has reported the detection of a West Nile Virus (WNV) case in Nicosia.

The virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites and has no vaccine or medication for treatment, can be prevented by emptying stagnant water regularly, as this is the main method of protection against the disease.

Common symptoms in infected individuals include headaches, flu-like symptoms, back pain, sudden high fever, weakness, and muscle weakness. The Ministry of Health is continuously conducting pesticide spraying to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

In its statement, the Ministry of Health reminded the public about the symptoms of West Nile Virus and emphasized the precautions.

Human-to-Human Transmission Not Possible

The statement clarified that West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through infected mosquitoes and that human-to-human transmission is not possible.

Birds as Main Hosts

According to the Ministry's statement, West Nile Virus, whose main hosts are birds, is transmitted to humans most often through mosquito bites of the 'Culex' species.

First Symptom is Often Headache

The statement noted that the first symptom of the disease, which usually manifests itself in flu-like symptoms, is often a headache. Common symptoms include back pain. Other significant symptoms include a sudden high fever, weakness, and muscle weakness. While some cases of West Nile Virus infection do not exhibit any symptoms, in other cases, hospitalization and treatment may be required, and the disease can be severe enough to lead to death.

90% of Cases Experience High Fever

In individuals infected with the virus, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness, and excessive swelling of lymph nodes, known as lymphadenopathy, may also occur. In 90% of cases, West Nile Fever, characterized by high fever, is observed.

No Vaccine or Medication for Treatment

Since there is no vaccine or medication for treatment, preventive measures against West Nile Virus are crucial.

Preventing the reproduction of mosquitoes, which carry the disease, is vital to stop larval development, such as not providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes in containers around homes and regularly emptying stagnant water in pots, ornamental pools, containers, and tires. The statement emphasized that pesticide spraying is ongoing to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Public awareness campaigns on preventive measures continue, and the Ministry of Health works in cooperation with stakeholders such as the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association, the Environmental Department, the Veterinary Department, and the Union of Municipalities, through committees and boards established under the Communicable Diseases Law.

Source: TAK