“I thought he’d had a stroke”: wife describes husband’s West Nile virus ordeal

Local healthNicosiaTop News “I thought he’d had a stroke”: wife describes husband’s West Nile virus ordeal B Ios Neilou Relevant News “I thought he’d had a stroke”: wife describes husband’s West Nile virus ordeal 18 September 2026 Three students killed in Philippine school shooting, including gunman, officials say 18 September 2026 Fraud trial against 77-year-old delayed as lawyers demand more evidence 18 September 2026 newsroom 18 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber A 70-year-old man is in intensive care in Nicosia with West Nile virus. His wife has described the frightening moments before he was taken to hospital. Speaking to Sigma, she said her husband had been perfectly healthy until he suddenly started shaking violently and couldn’t speak. “I was talking to him and he couldn’t answer me. I thought he’d had a stroke,” she said. Doctors in the neurology department told her it was a West Nile virus infection, transmitted by mosquitoes. The man’s wife criticised delays in mosquito spraying in the area, saying the Health Ministry had promised interventions that, as of yet, hadn’t happened. “We’re covered in bites. How does a healthy person end up like this from a mosquito?” she asked. What you need to know about the virus, and official guidance What is West Nile virus infection? West Nile virus (WNV) disease is caused by the West Nile virus and spreads mainly through mosquito bites, typically from an infected mosquito of the Culex genus, the common mosquito. In some people it can cause fever or, in rarer cases, meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It gets its name from the West Nile province of Uganda, where it was first identified in 1937. How does West Nile virus spread? Through infected mosquitoes. The main route of transmission is a bite from an infected mosquito, usually the common mosquito. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds, then pass it on to humans and animals through their bite. Transmission can also occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants and, more rarely, from mother to foetus. A very small number of cases have involved direct transmission through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or during pregnancy (vertical transmission). WNV does not spread from person to person through ordinary social contact such as touching or kissing, sexual contact, or other contact, and it is not passed from hospitalised patients to medical staff. What are the symptoms? Most people show no symptoms at all. 80% of those infected develop no symptoms of the virus. Around 20% develop a mild form of the disease, with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, rash and, less commonly, swollen lymph nodes. The illness usually clears up on its own within 3-10 days. A small number of people develop severe symptoms. Around 1 in 150 people infected with WNV (less than 1%) will develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, such as meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered consciousness (apathy, lethargy, confusion or coma), and neurological problems such as instability, gait disturbances, tremors, seizures, paralysis and vision problems. These symptoms can last several weeks, and the neurological effects may be permanent. When do symptoms appear? Symptoms typically show up 2 to 14 days after a mosquito bite. When do most cases occur? Most people are infected between June and September. Who is at risk? Anyone living in an area with infected mosquitoes can catch the virus. Severe illness can affect people of any age, but those over 50, and people with underlying health conditions such as a weakened immune system, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular problems, are more likely to develop severe illness if infected. How is it treated? There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Mild cases clear up on their own. In more severe cases, patients are usually admitted to hospital for supportive care, including fluids and, where necessary, intensive care. There is currently no vaccine against WNV. Which countries have reported cases? Cases and outbreaks of WNV in humans and animals have occurred in Africa, North America, the Middle East, Central and South-East Europe, Russia, Australia and South-West Asia. Outbreaks appear to have become more frequent over the past 20 years, with the largest recorded in Romania, Russia, Israel, the United States and Greece. Outbreak areas generally follow major bird migration routes; Greece experienced a major outbreak between 2010 and 2014. How can I protect myself? The easiest and most effective way to protect against WNV is to prevent mosquito bites and cut mosquito numbers around the home. Most mosquito species bite most actively from dusk until dawn. Personal protection measures Wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly from dusk until dawn. If mosquitoes are a serious problem, use insect repellent outdoors — those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or eucalyptus oil last longest. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should follow their doctor’s advice. DEET-based repellents aren’t recommended for infants under two months and should be used cautiously on children under 12; repellents containing eucalyptus oil aren’t recommended for children under three. Protective measures at home Fit mosquito screens on windows and doors. Use mosquito nets in areas with high mosquito numbers, or where other protective measures can’t be used; for example, DEET-based repellents on infants under two months. Remove standing water from basins, vases, flowerpots, old tyres, gutters and other parts of the garden, since stagnant water is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Fans and air conditioning help too: cool air makes mosquitoes less active, though it doesn’t kill them, and fans, especially ceiling fans, make it harder for them to land. Cut grass, hedges and foliage, where adult mosquitoes shelter. Water plants in the morning where possible. Use yellow outdoor lightbulbs, which attract fewer mosquitoes. Insecticides containing pyrethroids, such as permethrin, are available as aerosols, tablets, vaporising solutions or coils — never apply them to the skin, and always follow the product instructions. Replace broken or leaking water pipes, and remove or repair old tyres that collect water. Cover cesspit ventilation pipes with mesh. If you have a pool or fountain at home, run the filtration system daily to remove mosquito eggs and larvae. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Three students killed in Philippine school shooting, including gunman, officials say Fraud trial against 77-year-old delayed as lawyers demand more evidence Police stop car in Engomi, find hundreds of boxes of untaxed cigarettes, fine man €20,000 As Iran war grinds on, Trump to face skeptical world leaders at UN On this day: Jimi Hendrix, U.S. rock singer and guitarist, died of a drug overdose in 1970 Events demand a “European Article 4” Air traffic controllers warn of near-miss with Turkish jet over Cyprus FIR Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.