**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – The recent Christmas festivities in Cyprus were punctuated by a tragic fire incident and a significant surge in demand on emergency health services, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue a public advisory regarding heightened respiratory illness activity. While a fatal blaze cast a pall over the holiday, medical professionals worked assiduously to manage an influx of calls, partly attributed to doctors' seasonal leave.
An autopsy conducted on December 28th confirmed that a victim of a Christmas Day fire succumbed to the effects of smoke inhalation, a grim reminder of the perils that can accompany domestic incidents. The individual, whose remains were severely disfigured, required extensive forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to facilitate identification and the arduous task of tracing next of kin. The precise origin of the conflagration remains under scrutiny, with authorities exploring possibilities ranging from accidental causes to deliberate acts. Investigations are being jointly pursued by the Cyprus Police, Fire Service, and Electromechanical Services, with laboratory analysis of biological samples and dental records underway to aid in the victim's positive identification and to ascertain any pre-existing medical conditions that might have been a contributing factor.
Concurrently, the island's healthcare infrastructure experienced a pronounced increase in operational tempo. Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, the ambulance service responded to an impressive 422 emergency calls across the nation. The Nicosia district, in particular, registered a substantial proportion of these, with 172 calls originating from the capital and its environs. Riana Constantinou, the head of the ambulance service at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that this heightened activity was partly exacerbated by the customary absence of many general practitioners and specialist physicians during the holiday period, placing additional pressure on public hospitals and their Accident & Emergency departments. These facilities operated under a state of full preparedness, with the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) continuing to implement fast-track clinics for less critical cases in an effort to mitigate congestion. Encouragingly, no fatalities were reported as a result of traffic accidents during this specific holiday interval.
In parallel with the operational strains on emergency services, the Ministry of Health issued a public health warning concerning a discernible uptick in respiratory virus circulation, with seasonal influenza identified as a primary driver. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in an assessment dated November 20, 2025, had already flagged a high-risk scenario for individuals aged 65 and over, a demographic particularly susceptible to severe complications from influenza. To counter the spread and protect vulnerable populations, the Ministry has strongly advised the public to adhere to stringent hygiene protocols. These include frequent hand washing, refraining from touching one's face, minimising close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms, and ensuring prompt vaccination. Furthermore, the advisory urges those who are unwell to remain at home for at least 24 hours after their symptoms have abated, to practice respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes, and to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor environments. Despite the elevated flu activity, officials noted that current influenza levels in Cyprus remain considerably lower than those observed in other parts of Europe.