Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 20 1 2026 06 17 1841 1841 Gizem Şanlıtürk Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahçeşehir Cyprus University, North Cyprus,Mersin10,Famagusta, Turkey Fathima Hala Hanif Mohammed Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus Zehra İrem Akçay Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus Benay Buse Çetin Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus Zainul Hafi Hanif Mohammed Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus Raghid Çavuş Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus Aayat Mohialdeen Mahmood Mahmood Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus Meryem Guvenır Department of Medical Microbiology, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Güzelyurt, Cyprus 2025 04 10 2026 06 14 Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause severe neurological disease in humans, making public awareness cru­cial for prevention. The study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of individuals living in Northern Cyprus regarding sources and transmission routes of this disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 389 people participated. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed by researchers. The survey included questions about participants' awareness, sources of information, knowledge of WNV transmission routes, and preventive measures. It was conducted face-to-face. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square tests assessed p-values and significance. Results: 80.1% of participants had never heard of zoonotic diseases. When asked about the transmission route of WNV, 59.7% correctly identified animal or insect bites as the mode of transmission. In terms of precautions, 60.7% reported taking measures such as window screens and bed nets to protect from mosquito bites, while 39.3% did not. As hypothe­sized, a significant association was shown between nationality and knowledge of zoonotic disease (p=0.026). In addi­tion, gender was significantly associated with preventive measures (p=0.008), with females more likely to show protec­tive behaviors compared to males. Conclusion: Results indicate a general lack of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the population of Northern Cyprus; however, a larger proportion reported taking personal precautions against mosquito bites. The Ministry of Health can organize training sessions and seminars to increase public awareness about WNV. Additionally, municipali­ties should take mosquito and larval control measures, particularly in summer. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1841 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1841/725