Ten deaths from flu complications have been recorded so far this season in Cyprus, while the first death of an infant from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has also been reported, the Director of the Medical Services of the Ministry of Health, Elisabeth Constantinou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
She said the 10 cases, which mainly involved vulnerable elderly individuals with comorbidities, were admitted to the hospital, primarily due to the flu, while the infant was admitted to Makarios Hospital primarily due to RSV. She noted that the final cause of death will be determined in the coming period.
The final cause of death is determined through special procedures by the World Health Organization, using specific software systems.
Regarding the death from RSV, Constantinou told the CNA that it was a two months old infant, with serious underlying conditions, who passed away in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Makarios Hospital.
The Director of Medical Services said that following the lifting of coronavirus measures, “there has been an increase in flu cases—not only in Cyprus but also in other European countries—along with a simultaneous increase in death cases”.
Regarding vaccinations, she said they are at very good levels, noting that based on calculations, they have covered at least 75% of the elderly and vulnerable with vaccinations.
Additionally, she said that personal doctors, as well as vaccination centers, continue to vaccinate.
Constantinou said that since January 1, 2025, there have been 95 admissions of flu cases in public hospitals and 67 admissions in private hospitals, noting that the eight deaths primarily caused by the flu were recorded in the public sector, while the two were in the private sector.
She added that two of the deaths were recorded at the end of December 2024 and the remaining eight in the first fortnight of January 2025.
( Source: CNA)