First West Nile virus case of 2026 reported in Cyprus

Cypriot health authorities have confirmed the first case of the West Nile virus for 2026 involving a 74-year-old man. The patient, who reportedly has no history of recent travel, was admitted to the Nicosia General Hospital on August 12 and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on August 14 after developing encephalitis, a severe neurological complication. While health officials describe his condition as serious, they have noted a gradual improvement in his clinical status over the past 48 hours.

The Ministry of Health has activated established protocols for such incidents, which include targeted mosquito spraying in areas frequented by the patient to mitigate further transmission risks. Experts, including infectious disease specialist Aristos Aristodemou and biologist Leontios Kostrikis, have emphasized that the virus is not transmitted between humans but solely through the bites of infected mosquitoes. They stress that the situation is being managed effectively, noting that such sporadic cases are expected during summer months and do not currently indicate a broader epidemic risk.

In addition to this case, local authorities recently reported two unrelated instances of dengue fever in July involving a traveler and a healthcare worker. Both individuals have since recovered and been discharged. Officials continue to advise the public to take standard precautions against mosquito bites to remain safe.