Description of the situation
12 August 1996
Disease Outbreak Reported
The health authorities in Cyprus have informed WHO of an outbreak of viral meningitis which has affected a total of 223 persons (193 in children under 14) to date since 5 July 1996. The causal virus has been identified as coxsackie B5. The outbreak is centered in the district of Limassol (170 cases); cases have also been reported from Larnaca, Famagusta (29), Nicosia (19) and Paphos (5).
Of the 223 patients, 190 have already been discharged from hospital; no complications have been reported. The health authorities of Cyprus have put in place the appropriate control measures and are further developing surveillance and control strategies with the assistance of WHO.