Most cases of West Nile virus infection concern people aged 65 and over, the Medical Services and Public Health Services said on Friday in a press release, noting that, as of September 3, 2026, seven cases of West Nile virus infection have been confirmed, while three other cases are under investigation.
Furthermore, the press release said that some of the patients who required hospitalisation have already been discharged, while one death has been recorded of a person belonging to a high-risk group due to age and underlying health conditions. Infectious Disease Specialist Aristos Aristodemou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) earlier the person who died is a 90-year-old man.
The press release also pointed out that the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control Unit for Infectious Diseases is on heightened alert and is conducting immediate epidemiological investigations for each reported case. At the same time, in collaboration with the Health Services, the prescribed protocols for mosquito control and eradication are being implemented in the affected areas, along with epidemiological monitoring and the application of the prescribed prevention and control measures.
The Services noted that the West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is not transmitted from person to person through usual social, professional, sexual, or other contact, nor from hospitalised patients to medical staff.
They further added that in the majority of cases the infection is asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms, and that individuals at greater risk of severe illness are older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic underlying health conditions.
The Ministry of Health recommends to the public, particularly to high-risk groups, the systematic implementation of personal protective measures against mosquito bites, the press release concluded.