Objectives

The objective of this action, as described by the Technical Committee on Health, is to:

• Carry out an island-wide survey for native and invasive mosquito vectors through 2023 in regions at higher risk for disease transmission;
• Store the specimen for use through the continuation of the Action to evaluate for diseases related to invasive mosquito species (i.e. dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika);
• Establishment of early warning systems on the presence of invasive Aedes species throughout the island and pave the way for island-wide integrated management of these species;
• Capacity building and training of the experts and public with regard to Aedes invasive species.

During the the first phase of the Support Facility to Technical Committees, the Technical Committee on Health implemented the 'Identification and distribution of vectors of medical importance in Cyprus (ID-VEC)', which established an entomological surveillance system island-wide (2020-2021). This action was followed by the 'Mapping risk for vector-borne diseases (ID-VRisk)' which established the methods to survey for viruses as well, using WNV as a model virus (2021-2022). During the ID-VRisk implementation Aedes aegypti, the most dangerous invasive mosquito species, was identified for the first time on the island. This finding emphasised the need to maintain island-wide surveillance, as this is the only tool that can act as an early warning system to reduce the risk of an epidemic. The establishment of a surveillance mechanism was the focus of phase of the action 

Results

The discovery of Aedes aegypti in the previous project (ID-VRisk) proved the immediate need for cooperation among the two communities in Cyprus. 

Aedes aegypti is the primary transmitter of the four viruses that have had the greatest impact on human health, the viruses causing yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Identifying this species at an early stage has been crucial as this new finding of the Aedes aegypti is a major concern for both communities and has the potential to impact entire regions of Cyprus. 

During this phase of the action, members of the Technical Committee on Health were in close contact and collaboration. Their dedicated work resulted in the formation of technical teams to conduct surveillance and analysis and established an island-wide surveillance mechanism to track the invasive species. 

In its future activities, the action will look to increase awareness among the public with regard to these invasive species, particularly Aedes aegypti and inform people on what measures they can take to eliminate/minimize the impacts of mosquitos. The educational materials will be created within this action is expected to contribute to increase awareness in experts and public.
 

This project is ongoing. Project results will be updated in due course.