Blood Safety in Cyprus: Measures Against the West Nile Virus
October 20, 2026
The West Nile virus is spreading in Europe, with 21 cases reported in Cyprus this year. Blood safety is the focus of preventive measures due to the risk of transmission through contaminated blood transfusions. National authorities are urged to monitor areas with local transmission and temporarily defer donors who may have been exposed to the virus. Blood tests already include screenings for the West Nile virus, as many carriers may be asymptomatic. The importance of these measures is critical for protecting patients who require frequent transfusions.