Mosquito Control Unit Proposal Following West Nile Virus Cases

Hasan Sarpten, former president of the Biologists Association, urged the urgent establishment of a Mosquito Control Unit within the Ministry of Health against the West Nile Virus detected in 3 people in the country and the risk of rising cases.

West Nile Virus and Risks

While it was stated that one person lost their life in South Cyprus and a total of 10 cases were encountered, it was expressed that the West Nile Virus was seen in 3 people in the country and the number of cases could increase.

It was reported that the virus, transmitted through Culex pipiens mosquitoes in the Mediterranean basin, shows flu-like symptoms in 20 percent of cases and can lead to fatal nervous system infections in 1 percent.

Inadequacy of Current Struggle

It was stated that research conducted after the Covid-19 pandemic points out that the next global health risk could come from mosquito-borne viruses.

It was emphasized that the fight against mosquitoes in the country is not given enough importance and needs to go beyond seasonal spraying activities carried out only during the summer months.

Institutional Responsibility and Municipalities

It was argued that the authorized institutions in the fight against mosquitoes are the Primary Health Care Services Department and the Ministry of Health, but this duty has not been sufficiently undertaken in recent years.

It was noted that municipalities carry out spraying by getting services from private companies only when public complaints increase, and this situation is far from a planned and systematic struggle.

Call for a Mosquito Control Unit

It was stated that the struggle should be maintained with uninterrupted source control throughout the year, not just in the summer months.

It was proposed to bring together the relevant units of all municipalities and establish a comprehensive Mosquito Control Unit within the Ministry of Health.