First West Nile virus case found in Cyprus

The first West Nile virus case this year has been detected in Cyprus (south), after authorities confirmed on Tuesday that an elderly man from Mammari village had been infected and was in critical condition.

Sanitation services official Irodotos Irodotou told Sigma orders were issued immediately to spray the area so as identify any potential mosquito breeding sites. 

This is the first case identified in Cyprus.

Irodotou said they had not found a large number of stagnant water sites and sought to reassure the public that the virus does not transmit from person to person, but from mosquito to human.

Approximately 80 per cent of those bitten typically remain asymptomatic, but individuals over 50 with health issues are at higher risk.

Symptoms include fever, headaches, and joint pain.