Five horses diagnosed with West Nile virus in Cyprus
Veterinary services said five horses from the same premises tested positive for West Nile virus and remain alive as symptoms have eased.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Five horses have been diagnosed with West Nile virus after being tested between September 9 and last Friday, the veterinary services department said on Wednesday. All animals are from the same premises, remain alive and have shown improving symptoms.
Cases and symptoms
The department said the horses displayed symptoms including fever and weakness while walking, although these have waned in recent days.
It said the first examination was carried out after one animal developed symptoms, while the second was conducted as part of an epidemiological investigation.
Mosquito transmission
The department said West Nile virus cannot be transmitted directly from horses to humans or between horses.
The virus is transmitted to both horses and humans by infected mosquitoes.
Human infection
According to the World Health Organisation, human infection with West Nile virus most often results from bites by infected mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds carrying the virus in their blood. The virus can then enter mosquitoes’ salivary glands and be injected into humans or animals during later bites.
The World Health Organisation said around 80 per cent of West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic. The remaining cases may develop West Nile fever, with symptoms including fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
In severe cases, people can develop encephalitis or meningitis, with symptoms including headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
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