A 17-year-old is in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Nicosia general hospital after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, a brain and spinal cord membrane infection.

Meningitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Bacterial meningitis is particularly severe, with approximately 10-15 per cent of cases resulting in death.

This is the third case of bacterial meningitis reported in recent weeks, according to the health ministry.
Demetris Konstantinou, the ministry’s press officer, confirmed that the teenager’s condition is severe. He added that the ministry is actively tracing the patient’s contacts to provide preventive medication where necessary.

The health ministry is closely monitoring the situation and remains on high alert. Konstantinou noted that they are taking all necessary precautions to prevent further cases.

Last week, two other cases of bacterial meningitis were recorded. A high school student in Limassol and a baby in Paphos were both affected. The ministry of health has issued statements explaining that the meningococcus bacteria spreads through close contact, typically via respiratory droplets.

The risk is particularly high for those living in the same household as the patient, especially children. It also applies to individuals in close contact with the infected person in confined spaces, such as classrooms or offices.

Importantly, the ministry clarified that meningococcus is not spread by brief or casual contact.
Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against meningitis. The World Health Organisation notes that vaccines are the most effective way to provide long-lasting protection against bacterial meningitis.

“Meningitis vaccines can prevent infection with 70-80 per cent efficacy, depending on the brand,” Dr. Panagiotis Papastergiou, coordinator of the antimicrobial agents’ logistics team at Limassol general hospital, told the Cyprus Mail.

In 2024, the ministry recorded four cases of meningococcal disease. Since the start of 2025, there have been three cases, all unrelated and not part of an outbreak.