Sandfly-fever outbreak in Cyprus: are phleboviruses still a health problem?

Abstract

Background: Between May and September of 2002, 256 soldiers of the Greek Army Forces in Cyprus developed a 3-day self-limited febrile illness. All clinical symptoms and laboratory findings are described.

Results: The responsible agent was a Cypriot strain of sandfly fever Sicilian virus (genus Phlebovirus family Bunyaviridae), identified and isolated from the blood samples of infected individuals who were characterized by an abrupt onset of high fever, arthralgias, myalgias, headache and lower back pain, followed by a post-infectious asthenia syndrome. The major laboratory findings included leucopenia, monoytosis in blood smear and mild elevation of both the aminotransferases.

Conclusion: A Cypriot strain of sandfly fever Sicilian virus was responsible for a 3-day-fever syndrome among non-immune soldiers. Clinicians have to consider Sandfly fever in the differential diagnosis in patients with similar symptoms during their accommodation or just after their return from Cyprus, or any other Mediterranean countries, especially during summer when sandflies are active.