Unverified reports of possible new HIV cases have sparked concern in the north, particularly in the regions of Lefka and Morphou.
The rumours spread through social media platforms and messaging groups, where, according to Turkish Cypriot media reports, lists containing names, photographs and personal videos were circulated online.
The initial claims focused on Lefka before expanding to Morphou, with allegations that well-known individuals from both areas were among those affected by the speculation.
Media reports also claimed that some people from the north had travelled to the government-controlled areas of Cyprus to undergo HIV testing. At the same time, unverified claims circulated suggesting dozens of positive test results, although no official evidence has been presented to support those assertions.
One individual named in the online posts publicly rejected the allegations, arguing that the claims were false and that he had become a victim of the widespread publicity surrounding the case.
The case behind the rumours
The speculation appears to stem from the case of a 25-year-old Turkish national who, according to her own account, travelled to the north in February on a "work permit" and lived in the Lefka area for several months.
In comments to the newspaper GIYNIK, the woman rejected allegations that she worked as an escort or engaged in prostitution.
According to reports, concerns regarding her health status emerged during medical examinations carried out as part of procedures linked to the issuance of a work permit.
Turkish Cypriot media reported that the woman tested positive for HIV and was subsequently removed from the north on 10 June.
However, the 'authorities' did not disclose detailed information regarding the circumstances of the case or the number of people with whom she may have come into contact.
Unverified reports circulating locally claimed that dozens of individuals may have had contact with the woman. No official figures have been released, however, leaving those claims unsubstantiated.
The case triggered public debate about whether adequate measures had been taken to inform potentially affected individuals and trace contacts. It also fuelled further speculation and the naming of individuals on social media.
‘Health ministry’ denial
Following the spread of the rumours, the north's 'health ministry' issued a statement yesterday denying reports that new HIV-positive individuals had been identified.
According to the statement, neither the 'ministry' nor hospital units had received any notification or detected any new HIV case during the past month that would support the claims circulating online.
The 'ministry' said that the lists of names, social media posts and related reports were inaccurate and urged the public not to adopt or share unverified information.
