TWO CASES OF DENGUE FEVER IN CYPRUS - ONE WAS LINKED TO EXPOSURE OF A PROFESSIONAL TO THE BLOOD OF A PATIENT - Filenews 20/8 by Marilena Panayi
Two cases of dengue fever were recorded in Cyprus in July, according to statements by OKYPY spokesman Charalambos Charilaou to filenews.
The first incident involved a woman with a travel history, who after showing symptoms visited the Accident and Emergency Department of a state hospital.
During her examination, a healthcare professional came into contact with her blood and was then also diagnosed with the virus.
Both patients have recovered and were discharged several days ago, as stated by the representative of OKYPY.
Dengue fever is usually transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. The main vector internationally is Aedes aegypti, while the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, can also transmit the virus. Both mosquitoes have been established in Cyprus for years.
In contrast to the West Nile virus, which is mainly transmitted by the common Culex mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes also show significant activity during the day.
Transmission of dengue fever directly from person to person is extremely rare and does not occur through ordinary social contact.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has recorded cases of transmission of the virus through blood and blood products. Rare occupational infections have also been described in the international literature after exposure of health workers to contaminated blood.
What are the symptoms
Symptoms usually appear a few days after infection and may include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pains
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash
Severe muscle and joint pain has led to the unofficial name "broken bone fever". The expression describes the intensity of pain and does not mean that the virus causes fractures.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks. In some cases, however, severe dengue fever can develop, with bleeding, a sharp drop in blood pressure and organ damage.
Severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, bleeding from the nose or gums, shortness of breath and great weakness require immediate medical evaluation.
