The number of West Nile virus cases is also rising in Cyprus. Medical Services and Health Services are on constant alert, while with the detection of each new case, health officials get to work in order to eliminate the outbreaks of infected mosquitoes in the home and in the area of residence of each patient.
Vigilant and for the safety of blood. Every year during the months of increased mosquito activity, the control of blood units obtained through blood donation also extends to West Nile virus.
There have even been cases in which citizens who carried the West Nile virus but did not develop symptoms (as well as the majority of people infected by mosquitoes with this virus), were identified after blood donation and the control plan was implemented, which is also followed in the cases of people who are sick.
Until yesterday, the cases of West Nile virus, which have been recorded during this year's time, were 8, with patients being treated at the Nicosia General Hospital. 7 of the 8 patients come from various areas of the Nicosia district and one from Larnaca.
The Competent Unit at the Ministry of Health is constantly monitoring the situation, while with the detection of each new case, the Health Services are informed, in order to implement everything provided for in the relevant protocols. This year, the director of the Health Services, Herodotos Herodotou, told "F", among others, the presence of mosquitoes is prolonged, mainly due to climatic conditions. "There has been increased rainfall which creates stagnant water which in turn leads to the hatching of mosquitoes."
West Nile virus, like other viruses, he explained, "is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. In particular, the mosquito is infected by a bird and thus then carries the virus to humans. You realize that we can't even control the birds where they come from and where they go. That is why constant monitoring is needed."
First at home and then in the neighbourhood
With the confirmation of each new case, the Health Services implement a specific program, said Mr. Herodotou and explained: First a check and spraying are carried out to eliminate the mosquitoes (perfect insects) present in the patient's home. Then the "door to door" process is followed, where inspection and spraying are carried out in all the houses in the area in which the house of the person who fell ill is located. This process concerns both adulticide and larvicide. That is, both perfect insects, mosquitoes, and larvae.
Unfortunately, said Mr. Herodotou, "it seems that citizens do not take measures to prevent mosquito hatching. In the yards of the houses there is stagnant water and when we call stagnant water we mean that stagnant water can stay for a long time (more than a week), in buckets, in pots, in jars and other decorations that we have in the yards and gardens of the houses."
Similar phenomena are of course observed in fields, empty plots and even on the street. "Any container in which water can be collected, can develop into a mosquito hatching hotbed after a rain."
The process of spraying in the homes and area of people who develop symptoms of West Nile virus, or other viruses is also followed in the event that a person is found positive for West Nile virus and during tests after blood donation and "there have been such cases in which people have tested positive for this virus during blood testing".
Appeal to citizens and protection measures at home
The Health Services, said Mr. Herodotou, implement a prevention and spraying program throughout the year. However, the prevention of mosquito hatching "starts from the home of each of us and that is why citizens must take some simple actions in their homes". A key prevention measure is the removal of any amount of stagnant water, as even small concentrations can develop into mosquito hatching hotspots.
Citizens are invited to:
· Regularly empty pot saucers, buckets, watering cans and other containers
· Remove or overturn objects that hold water
· To clean gutters, grates and manholes
· Cover hermetic barrels and water tanks
· Change the water in animal and bird drinking troughs frequently
· Remove old tyres and useless containers
· Properly maintain swimming pools and decorative ponds
Particular attention should be paid after rainfall or watering, checking all outdoor areas to identify possible points of water concentration. Where water removal is not possible, it is recommended to contact the competent Services for guidance on the safe and approved use of larvicides.
