WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
EXPERTS have spoken out about the West Nile Virus; how to identify it, how it should be treated and protective measures against being infected.
Some 80 per cent of people who are infected by a mosquito bite show few or no effects, while others may develop mild flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headache, vomiting, joint pain, weakness or a rash. As few as 1 per cent of sufferers may develop neurological problems including encephalitis or meningitis, with an estimated 10 per cent risk that severe symptoms could prove fatal.
The Doctors’ Union said that while the majority of people would recover with little ill-effect, those most in danger of potentially life-threatening complications were the over-50s and anyone with a suppressed immune system. They advised them, cancer and transplant patients, diabetics or people with chronic kidney failure to seek medical attention if they experience flulike symptoms or disturbance of the nervous system. These can include a stiff neck, confusion, paralysis and seizures.
The disease, which has an incubation period of three to 14 days, has no specific treatment — although rest is recommended and pain medication may be useful. As a result, the union underlined the importance of being protected against transmission, such as keeping doors and windows shut or installing fly-screens, wearing clothes that cover the arms and legs, and using insect-repellent sprays.
It also urged the government to “re-evaluate” the current anti-mosquito campaign and begin a new, more efficient one immediately, starting in Gazimağusa.
The Cyprus Turkish Veterinarians’ Union said the virus was mainly sourced from birds and spread to mammals, including horses and donkeys, through mosquito bites. It could not be transmitted from mammals to humans, but could be passed on to a baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The Taşkent Nature Park said the disease had been seen and was dangerous in horses and cats, but neither species could pass it on to humans through contact. Officials suggested setting up mosquito traps in various locations and blood-testing of birds in order to identify prevalence of the disease. While the nature park had laboratory facilities, it would need support to purchase traps and a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) device to be able to carry out tests.