Three cases of West Nile Virus have been discovered in North Cyprus, the Ministry of Health announced.
According to information provided by the ministry, blood tests sent to Turkey, have been shown as positive.
The West Nile Virus rarely causes neurological symptoms and death rates are very low, the statement noted that the virus has been reported in many countries for more than 50 years.
The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. In humans, the virus can cause a disease known as West Nile Fever.
According to the US Centre for Disease Control approximately 80 per cent of infected people have few or no symptoms, around 20 per cent of people develop mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, or a rash, while less than 1 per cent of people develop severe symptoms, such as encephalitis or meningitis with associated neck stiffness, confusion, or seizures.
The disease is usually seasonal, during the summer and early autumn. The outbreak areas are located on the main bird migration routes The mosquitoes feed on the carrier birds, the virus can be transmitted to humans from mosquito bites.
The virus is mainly seen in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia, West Nile Virus was first detected in 2018. Turkey reported 26 cases, the health ministry statement said.
West Nile Virus cannot spread from person to person, droplets, saliva, handshake or kissing.
Fever is seen in about 20 percent of patients, the statement said, symptoms are mild and not life-threatening. Self-healing takes place in a few days.
In order to control the disease in the country, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the local authorities and relevant institutions, are taking the necessary protective measures.
PROTECTION METHODS
“In individual protection methods; removal of factors that facilitate reproduction of mosquitoes such as puddles in the house, warehouses, the installation of mosquito nets on the windows of the house, the use of mosquito repellent sprays on a personal basis, the wearing of long-sleeved protective clothing, the avoidance of outdoor activities during the hours when the mosquitoes peak, and the use of contact tissues. In summary, the main approach to disease prevention is to reduce mosquito reproduction areas and to prevent mosquito bites”.
Kibris News Agency
