The Chikungunya virus is not circulating in Cyprus and no local cases have been recorded, the Ministry of Health stated in an announcement, noting, however, that the carrier (mosquito vector) does exist on the island and that surveillance and prevention measures are being taken.
The Ministry is issuing recommendations to the public for protection.
As explained in its announcement, the Chikungunya virus is the cause of a viral infection transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, mainly of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species.
It emphasized that “although the virus is not circulating in Cyprus and no local cases have been recorded, the vector (mosquito carrier) exists on our island, and for that reason, surveillance and prevention measures are being taken.”
The Ministry of Health informs that the virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. However, it assures that it is not transmitted from person to person.
It explains that the mosquitoes transmitting the virus bite mainly during the daytime and breed in standing water near residences.
Regarding the symptoms of the disease, the Ministry notes that the most common symptoms appear 2 to 7 days after the mosquito bite and include high fever, severe joint pain (mainly in the hands and feet), headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, while in some cases it may also cause skin rash.
Usually, the disease subsides in a few days, but joint pain can last for weeks or even months, according to the Ministry.
The public is advised to:
- use insect repellents on the skin,
- wear long clothing, especially at dawn and dusk,
- install screens on doors and windows,
- and remove standing water from plant pots, containers, buckets, or other surfaces where mosquitoes may breed.
Finally, it is noted that in the event of returning from a country where the virus is endemic and the appearance of the aforementioned symptoms, immediate contact with a personal doctor is recommended, along with strict adherence to their instructions.
Source: CNA
Feature photo image: BBC
Also read: What is the chikungunya virus and how is China battling it
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