Door-to-door mosquito checks expand as West Nile virus cases climb

Local healthHospitalTop News Door-to-door mosquito checks expand as West Nile virus cases climb Door To Door Mosquito Checks Expand As West Nile Virus Cases Climb Relevant News Door-to-door mosquito checks expand as West Nile virus cases climb 3 September 2026 Traffic collision closes lane on Nicosia-Limassol highway near Agios Tychonas 3 September 2026 Cyprus targets water security with €235mn-a-year, 13-unit desalination plan 3 September 2026 Marilena Panayi 3 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber West Nile virus cases in Cyprus have risen to eight so far this year, health authorities said, with all patients treated at Nicosia General Hospital. Seven of the eight cases came from various areas of the Nicosia district and one from Larnaca. Medical and health services remain on constant alert, and with each new case, health officials move to eliminate infected mosquito breeding grounds at the patient’s home and in the surrounding neighbourhood. Blood safety is also under close watch: every year, during the months of increased mosquito activity, screening of blood donations is extended to cover the West Nile virus. There have been cases in which people carrying the virus but showing no symptoms, as is the case for most people infected by mosquitoes, were identified through blood donation screening, triggering the same mosquito-control response used for symptomatic patients. The relevant unit at the Ministry of Health continuously monitors the situation, and health services are notified whenever a new case is identified so they can apply the relevant protocols. Herodotos Herodotou, director of Health Services, told Phileleftheros that this year’s mosquito presence had lasted longer than usual, largely because of the weather, with increased rainfall creating standing water in which mosquitoes hatch. The West Nile virus, like other viruses, is transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes, Herodotou explained: a mosquito becomes infected after biting a bird, then passes the virus on to a person. Authorities cannot track or control bird movements, he said, adding “we cannot control where the birds come from and where they go,” which is why constant monitoring is required. First the home, then the neighbourhood When a new case is confirmed, Health Services follow a set programme, Herodotou said. Officials first inspect and spray the patient’s home to eliminate adult mosquitoes, then carry out a door-to-door check and spray at every house in the surrounding area. The process targets both adult mosquitoes and larvae. Herodotou said residents were not doing enough to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, saying “citizens do not appear to be taking measures to prevent mosquito hatching.” He said standing water, sometimes left for more than a week, is often found in buckets, flowerpots, jars and other decorative items in gardens and yards. Similar conditions are seen in fields, empty plots and even on the street, he said, adding that “any container that can hold water can, after rainfall, become a mosquito breeding site.” The same home and neighbourhood spraying process is also triggered when someone tests positive for the West Nile virus through blood donation screening rather than through symptoms, he said, noting that such cases have occurred. Appeal to residents and protective measures at home Health Services run a prevention and spraying programme throughout the year, Herodotou said, but preventing mosquitoes from breeding “starts at each of our own homes,” and requires residents to take some simple steps of their own. The main preventive measure is removing all standing water, since even small amounts can become breeding sites. Residents are urged to regularly empty saucers under plant pots, buckets, watering cans and other containers, remove or turn over objects that collect water, clean gutters, drains and manholes, seal barrels and water tanks tightly, change the water in animal and bird troughs frequently, remove old tyres and unused containers, and properly maintain swimming pools and ornamental ponds. Particular attention should be paid after rain or watering, with all outdoor areas checked for possible points where water may collect. Where removing the water is not possible, residents are advised to contact the relevant authorities for guidance on the safe and approved use of larvicides. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Traffic collision closes lane on Nicosia-Limassol highway near Agios Tychonas Cyprus targets water security with €235mn-a-year, 13-unit desalination plan Cyprus caught between Europe’s gas crisis and its own energy dependence Europe’s pension money is helping finance America’s AI boom Things to do on Thursday, September 3 10-year-old pianist in Cyprus earns professional music diploma Isolated mountain storms forecast as temperatures set to reach 39 degrees Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.