A 90-year-old patient who had been diagnosed with West Nile virus has died, recording the first death of a patient with the virus in Cyprus for 2026.
According to information, the 90-year-old suffered from underlying diseases and had a particularly burdened medical history.
As stated by the Pathologist/Infectious Disease Specialist Aristos Aristodimou, it is an infection of the central nervous system and "some patients may not succeed".
The doctor said that by Thursday night, a total of 10 cases had been identified. Of these, seven are confirmed and three are possible.
Of the confirmed cases, four are hospitalized.
Asked about the prevention measures taken, Mr. Aristodimou said that measures are taken from the beginning for each case declared. "There is tracing, spraying, door-to-door, to identify and eliminate outbreaks and if necessary it is repeated," he said.
He noted that the majority of cases are located in the province of Nicosia.
Confirmed by the Medical Services
The Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health informs that, as of September 3, 2026, seven cases of West Nile Virus infection have been confirmed, while another three cases are under investigation.
Part of the patients who required hospitalization have already been discharged. One death has also been recorded in a person who belonged to an increased risk group due to age and underlying diseases. The majority of cases concern people over the age of 65.
The Unit for Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases is on increased alert and is conducting an immediate epidemiological investigation of each reported case. At the same time, in cooperation with the Health Services, the prescribed mosquito control and control protocols are being implemented in the affected areas.
What the public needs to know
The West Nile Virus is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is not transmitted from person to person through normal social, professional, sexual or other contact, nor from hospitalized patients to medical and nursing staff.
In the majority of cases the infection is asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms. Older people, people with immunosuppression and people with chronic underlying diseases are at greater risk of severe disease.
The Ministry of Health recommends to the public, and especially to groups at increased risk, the systematic implementation of personal protection measures against mosquito bites.
The competent services continue the epidemiological surveillance and the implementation of the prescribed prevention and control measures.
CNA
