Cyprus confirms eight cases of West Nile fever, one patient dies

The number of confirmed cases of West Nile fever in Cyprus has risen to eight, with two more samples awaiting laboratory confirmation. Seven patients have been identified in Nicosia District and one in Larnaca District.

The number of cases has risen for the third consecutive day: on 1 September, the Ministry of Health confirmed four infections, and on 2 September, six. According to the ministry, one of those infected, an elderly person with underlying health conditions, has died, while three others remain in hospital.

The first patient identified was a 74-year-old man who was admitted to the intensive care unit of a Nicosia hospital with encephalitis in mid-August. None of those infected had recently travelled abroad, meaning the infection occurred in Cyprus itself through mosquito bites.

“The virus is not transmitted from person to person,” the Ministry of Health stresses. It notes that at least 80% of those infected do not notice any symptoms, while severe illness primarily threatens older people and patients with chronic diseases.

Mosquito control measures are being carried out around the homes of those infected, breeding sites are being identified and nearby areas inspected, while donated blood is being tested for the virus. “We are not in a state of heightened alert, but we continue to monitor the situation closely,” the Ministry of Health said.

West Nile virus has been monitored in Cyprus since 2016. The largest outbreak remains that of 2019, with 24 cases; nine infections were recorded in 2023, while there were no cases in 2020, 2021 or 2025. Residents are urged not to leave standing water in flowerpot saucers, buckets, fountains and gutters, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.