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- Ελληνικά
The Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health inform the public that they are aware of the existence of the first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for 2023.
In Cyprus there are sporadic cases from time to time mainly during the summer months. Specifically, according to the data maintained by the Unit for Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (MEE&ELN), one case was reported in 2016, one case in 2018 and 24 cases in 2019.
It should be recalled that IDN is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected "common" mosquitoes. People who are infected are not thought to further transmit the virus to other people. IDN is not transmitted from person to person, it is not transmitted through normal social, sexual or other contact. It is also not transmitted from hospitalized patients to nursing staff.
After a mosquito bite, it usually takes 2-14 days (incubation period) before symptoms appear.
In the majority of cases, people infected with the virus have no symptoms or mild symptoms, while very few people (less than 1%) develop severe disease affecting the nervous system (encephalitis, meningitis or paralysis). Older people (over 50 years of age) and people with immunosuppression and chronic underlying diseases are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.
West Nile virus is transmitted:
1. From infected mosquitoes. VDV is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they come into contact with infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans and animals by biting them.
2. By transfusions, transplants and rarely from mother to fetus. In a very small number of cases, IDN can also be spread directly from an infected person through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and during pregnancy from mother to baby (vertical transmission). The IME&EHN of the IME&EHN in collaboration with the Health Services undertake an epidemiological investigation of each reported case, and additional mosquito control measures are taken where appropriate.
The measures include the following:
- Reinforcement of surveillance of suspected cases
- Epidemiological investigation of each case individually
- Frequent communication and exchange of information with the laboratories performing the relevant diagnostic p]- Measures for the safety of blood and its transfusion
- Intensification of mosquito control measures by the Health Services
- Communication with both public health bodies abroad, such as with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control where cases are reported on a weekly basis
The PH&H continue to take all necessary measures and urge the public to follow preventive personal and protective measures.
Personal prevention and protection measures at home
- Use of appropriate clothing, long sleeves and trousers especially in the afternoon until morning
- If the problem is very severe, insect repellent can be used outdoors. Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or eucalyptus essential oils last longer. Always use according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should follow their doctor's instructions, while insect repellents containing DEET are contraindicated in infants under two months of age and should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Insect repellents with eucalyptus essential oils are contraindicated in children under three years of age
- Fitting mosquito nets (screens) to prevent the passage of mosquitoes to windows and the windows and doors
- Use mosquito nets in areas with a high mosquito density or in cases where the use of other protective means is contraindicated (such as for example the use of insect repellents with DEET)
- Use mosquito nets in areas with a high mosquito density or in cases where the use of other protective means is contraindicated (such as for example the use of insect repellents with DEET), in infants younger than 2 months)
- Remove stagnant water from basins, vases, pots, old tires, gutters and other parts of the garden so that mosquitoes do not have access to stagnant water, which are hatching sites for their eggs
- Use fans or air conditioners Cool air reduces the activity of mosquitoes but does not kill them. The use of fans (especially ceiling fans) makes it more difficult for the insects to approach
- Mowing the lawn, shrubs and foliage (places where adult mosquitoes find shelter)
- Watering should preferably be done in the morning hours
- Use yellow lamps for outdoor lighting (they attract mosquitoes to a lesser extent)
- Use insecticides containing pyrethroids (e.g.e.g. permethrin). They are commercially available in the following forms: aerosol, tablets, evaporated solution, spirals ('snakes'), etc. Insecticides should not be applied to the skin. In all cases, the manufacturer's instructions for use should be followed
- Replacement of broken water pipes that leak and removal of old tires that accumulate water
- Covering with screens of cesspool ventilation pipes
- If there is a swimming pool or fountain in the house then the cleaning filters are activated daily to remove mosquito eggs and larvae
IY&HY stress that there is no cause for concern, due to the fact that the virus is not transmitted from human to human. However, the Ministry of Health is vigilant and is taking all appropriate measures.
In case of a suspected case of West Nile Virus infection, the Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control Unit should be informed at: 22605759, 22605652, Fax.: 22771496, e-mail: Cycomnet@cytanet.com.cy.
(DK)
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