Nicosia faces mosquito infestation and West Nile virus surge

Residents in the Nicosia district have reported an unbearable surge in mosquito populations, leading to increased health concerns. The Cyprus Health Ministry confirmed that stagnant water, particularly in riverbeds due to construction debris near Dimitris Christofias Avenue in Strovolos, has created major breeding grounds. Local authorities are now facing pressure to remove the accumulated soil and restore the natural flow of the rivers.

Simultaneously, the Health Services have reported cases of the West Nile virus across several municipalities, including Nicosia, Strovolos, Lakatamia, Agios Dometios, Egkomi, and Aglantzia, as well as the communities of Mammari, Deneia, and Paliometocho. Health officials, led by Herodotos Herodotou, are conducting door-to-door tracing and targeted spraying around the residences of identified patients.

In response to the crisis, local municipalities have launched intensive daily pest control efforts, including weekend operations, focusing on the Klimos, Katevas, and Kotsirkas river channels, storm drains, and abandoned properties. Authorities continue to monitor high-risk sites such as unused swimming pools and stagnant water containers to mitigate public health risks while residents remain restricted to their homes to avoid exposure.