West Nile virus in Cyprus. 4 confirmed cases, 2 more under investigation.

West Nile virus has been confirmed in four people in Cyprus this summer, and two more cases have been considered probable and are still under investigation. The Ministry of Health assures that the situation remains under control and there is currently no cause for concern.

According to the ministry, over 80% of infections are asymptomatic. The virus does not spread directly between people – it primarily occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito. Elderly people and those belonging to high-risk groups should exercise particular caution.

West Nile virus under surveillance in Cyprus

Ministry of Health Deputy Director General Elizavet Constantinou announced that four confirmed cases were detected over the summer. Two more require additional laboratory testing.

The Ministry is spraying in places where mosquitoes are concentrated, and doctors have once again received information on the symptoms of the disease and the principles of diagnosis.

The Ministry also informed the teams responsible for blood collection and testing.

How to protect yourself?

The Ministry recommends, first of all, reducing the risk of mosquito bites.

In practice, it is worth:

• use mosquito repellents,
• when there are a lot of insects, wear long sleeves and pants,
• remove standing water from pots, buckets or other containers,
• do not leave places on the property where mosquitoes can breed.

Air conditioning and fans can also be helpful.

Most infections do not cause symptoms.

According to Constantinou, approximately 80% or more of those infected have no symptomsOnly a small percentage of infections lead to more severe disease.

Earlier, it was reported, among other things, that a 74-year-old man was treated in the intensive care unit in Nicosia after developing encephalitis.

The Ministry describes the current cases as mostly imported. However, in the case of the 74-year-old, it was previously reported that had no recent travel history, therefore the epidemiological details of individual infections may vary.

In Cyprus, the virus has been monitored since 2016. Twenty-four cases were recorded in 2019 and nine in 2023. None were recorded in 2020, 2021, or 2025.

The Ministry emphasizes that the services remain on standby, but the current situation is assessed as controlled.

Sources: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, KYPE, Cyprus Mail