in-cyprus 27 March 2025 - by Marilena Panayi
Health officials are monitoring an increase in bacterial meningitis and measles cases, particularly affecting children, after several hospitalisations in the past ten days prompted a vaccination push.
A 17-year-old student is currently in critical condition in Nicosia General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, following two other serious cases last week – a 16-year-old and an infant – who were also hospitalised with bacterial meningitis.
The Ministry of Health has circulated guidance to all doctors encouraging patient vaccinations, while analysing case data to determine whether additional measures are necessary.
“We cannot wait for an increase in cases before taking action as the responsible state services,” Elisabeth Constantinou, director of medical services, told Fileleftheros. “We have already begun studying the bacterial meningitis case data because it is a serious infection.”
Health officials emphasised there is no apparent connection between the reported cases, but the severity of bacterial meningitis – which can be fatal in up to 50% of untreated cases and 15% even with treatment – has prompted heightened vigilance.
The World Health Organisation and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recently issued warnings about measles across European Union member states, adding to local concerns.
Dr Nikolaos Spernovasilis, a pathologist-infectious disease specialist, explained that bacterial meningitis can cause permanent neurological damage in up to 20% of survivors, including deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and paralysis.
“The best approach is vaccination, with safe and effective vaccines available for specific serotypes of the most common bacteria,” Spernovasilis said.
Health authorities are urging vaccination for both children and unvaccinated adults, particularly against measles, which Spernovasilis described as “one of the most contagious infectious diseases” transmitted through respiratory aerosols that can remain airborne for up to two hours.
