**Patient Hospitalised in Nicosia with West Nile Virus**
A patient has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Nicosia General Hospital after testing positive for West Nile virus, the Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday. The ministry has not disclosed specific details about the patient's age or the circumstances surrounding the infection.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus after feeding on infected birds. It is important to note that the virus is not spread between humans through casual social interactions or sexual contact, nor can it be transmitted from hospitalised patients to healthcare workers.
The incubation period for West Nile virus typically ranges from two to fourteen days following a mosquito bite. While many infections are asymptomatic or result in mild illness, less than one percent of those infected may develop severe complications that can affect the nervous system. These complications include conditions such as encephalitis, meningitis, or paralysis. Individuals over the age of 50, as well as those who are immunosuppressed or have chronic underlying health conditions, are at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness.
In rare instances, the virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, or from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of public awareness and preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. Residents are encouraged to take precautions, particularly during the summer months when sporadic cases of West Nile virus are recorded in Cyprus. Suggested protective measures include wearing long sleeves and trousers during evening and night hours, using approved insect repellents, installing screens on windows and doors, and eliminating stagnant water in gardens and outdoor containers where mosquitoes may breed.
As Cyprus continues to monitor the situation, the health authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to manage and prevent the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.