West Nile virus cases rise in Cyprus as authorities heighten surveillance

As of early September 2026, Cyprus has recorded an increase in West Nile virus infections, with reports indicating a total of eight confirmed cases and additional suspected incidents undergoing laboratory testing. Health officials, including Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health Elisavet Konstantinou, have described the situation as under control, noting that patients have been hospitalized at Nicosia General Hospital. Epidemiological data indicates that the majority of confirmed cases originated from various areas within the Nicosia district, with no reported travel history, confirming local transmission through mosquitoes.

Health authorities and local municipalities, such as Larnaca, are currently implementing intensive mosquito control measures, including "door-to-door" inspections to eliminate stagnant water breeding grounds. Experts attribute the rise in the mosquito population to favorable climatic conditions, specifically high temperatures and rainfall. As a preventive measure, blood donation screening protocols have been extended to include testing for the virus. Officials remain in a state of high readiness, as a small percentage of individuals, particularly those over 65 or immunocompromised, are at risk of developing severe neuroinvasive disease, although 80% of infections remain asymptomatic.