Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Health Sciences Faculty, Nutrition and Dietetics Department academic staff member and Microbiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tevhide Ziver Sarp issued a statement titled “More Than A Mosquito Bite: West Nile Virus and TRNC”. The said statement reads as follows:
“The detection of West Nile Virus cases in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has raised a number of questions and concerns among the public. West Nile Virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, is not a newly emerging infection. It has been known for many years and is periodically reported across Europe and the Mediterranean region, particularly during seasons when mosquito activity is high. Therefore, rather than panicking, it is important to have accurate information about West Nile Virus and to be aware of the measures that can be taken to protect against the disease.
What is West Nile Virus? How is it transmitted?
West Nile Virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted to humans through the bites of Culex mosquitoes. Birds and mosquitoes play a central role in the virus’s natural transmission cycle. Culex mosquitoes can acquire the virus while feeding on infected birds and may subsequently transmit it to humans. Humans are generally considered “final hosts” because they do not contribute significantly to the continuation of the virus’s natural transmission cycle. The amount of virus present in the blood of an infected person is too low to infect another mosquito that bites them. For this reason, West Nile Virus does not normally spread through a transmission chain from an infected person to a mosquito and then to another person. The virus is also not transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets or everyday contact such as shaking hands, hugging, or being in the same environment.
What are the Symptoms of Infection?
Approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms. In some cases, however, symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, nausea, or skin rash may occur and can last for 3–10 days. In less than 1% of infected individuals, the virus may affect the central nervous system and lead to serious neurological conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. For this reason, although West Nile Virus infection is often asymptomatic, it remains an important vector-borne infection that requires particular attention in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. While a mosquito bite does not necessarily mean that infection has occurred, people in higher-risk groups should remain alert to possible symptoms and seek medical advice if they develop any concerning signs.
Why Is Its Detection in Cyprus Significant?
The West Nile Virus cases detected in the TRNC should be considered within the broader context of the seasonal circulation of the virus across Europe and the Mediterranean region. Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicate that cases have continued to be reported in a number of European countries in 2026 and that Cyprus is among the areas where West Nile Virus infections have been recorded. According to the ECDC, the spread of the virus is influenced not only by temperature and environmental conditions, but also by the presence and density of mosquito populations and the movement of birds. In this respect, Cyprus’s Mediterranean climate, prolonged periods of warm weather, and geographical position along bird migration routes are important factors to consider in relation to West Nile Virus. For this reason, it is important that cases detected in the country are closely monitored and that surveillance activities, mosquito-control measures, and personal protection practices continue to be implemented effectively.
How Can We Protect Ourselves Against West Nile Virus?
As there is currently no approved vaccine for human use or virus-specific treatment for West Nile Virus, the main approach to prevention is to avoid mosquito bites and keep mosquito populations under control. Especially during the evening and nighttime hours, when mosquitoes are more active, wearing light-colored clothing that covers as much of the body as possible and using mosquito repellents can help reduce the risk of bites. Installing screens on windows and doors can also help prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor living spaces. In addition, eliminating sources of standing water around homes and surrounding areas—such as plant saucers, buckets, water containers, and uncovered storage tanks—is an important part of mosquito control, as these can provide suitable breeding sites.
However, efforts to combat West Nile Virus are limited to individual precautions. Effective community-level protection also requires health authorities, municipalities, and relevant institutions to work in coordination, regularly monitor mosquito populations and virus circulation, control breeding sites, and implement planned, sustainable vector-control program based on scientific evidence.
Informed Prevention Rather Than Fear
Ultimately, the most effective response to West Nile Virus is not fear, but awareness, reliable information, and appropriate preventive measures. In addition to personal protection, maintaining regular mosquito surveillance and sustained control efforts is crucial for containing current cases and reducing the risk of similar infections in the future.”