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Health services on Friday explained how the public should protect themselves from mosquito bites after northern authorities reported three incidents of West Nile virus, while unconfirmed reports said that one case in the South was treated in a private hospital.
Efforts are underway to hold a bi-communal meeting to discuss the issue, the statement said.
West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes that stung infected migratory birds. It can not be pbaded from one person to another, so it is important that people protect themselves against insect bites.
Since most mosquitoes are active from dusk to dawn, wearing appropriate long-sleeved clothing and trousers during this time is a protective measure.
Insect repellents can be applied when people are moving on the outside, but the public must be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Pregnant and lactating women should follow their doctor's instructions and repellents should be used with caution in children under 12 years of age.
The installation of mosquito nets on windows and doors prevents them from entering homes. Health services also recommend removing stagnant water from the house and garden because it is there that mosquitoes store their eggs. Pool filters should be cleaned regularly to remove eggs and larvae.
Gardens should preferably be watered early in the morning while yellow lamps on the outside attract less mosquitoes than white ones.
The use of air conditioning and air coolers deters insects but does not kill them.
The use of insecticide is recommended but it should not be applied to the skin.
If members of the public are aware of a case of West Nile virus infection, they are urged to contact the Department of Health's infectious disease surveillance and control unit. at 22-605601 or by fax at 22-605491.
Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred in Africa, North America, the Middle East, Central and South-East Europe, Russia, Australia and South-East Asia.
According to the health services announcement, the frequency of epidemics appears to have increased over the last 20 years.
The largest epidemics occurred in Romania, Russia, Israel, the United States and Greece. Areas affected by epidemics are generally those where migratory routes of birds are important.
In Cyprus, the first incident was recorded in 2016 and the second in 2018. "However, since the disease is carried by migratory birds, it is an unpredictable disease for which the authorities competent worldwide are taking a series of preventive measures, "said the president. Department warned.
There is no specific treatment against the virus or vaccine, but only a small number of people develop severe symptoms, less than 1% of those infected.
In conclusion, the health services reported that they have already put in place a large mosquito control program, as the number of mosquitoes is expected to be higher than normal due to rainy weather in winter and spring.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, about 80% of those infected have little or no symptoms, about 20% develop mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, or rash, compared to less than 1% People develop severe symptoms, such as encephalitis or meningitis, badociated with stiff neck, confusion or seizures.
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