Croatia reports 10 West Nile virus infections, with six people hospitalized

Croatia has recorded 10 West Nile virus infections this year, and six people developed more severe symptoms that required hospital treatment. Four infected people had no symptoms, while no deaths have been reported.

The Croatian Institute of Public Health, known as HZJZ, said the epidemiological situation remains usual given the number of cases. Zagreb and Zagreb County accounted for five infections. Krapina-Zagorje and Osijek-Baranja counties recorded two each, while Koprivnica-Križevci County recorded one. Most cases, as in previous years, came from continental Croatia.

Reported infections increased in recent days. On Aug. 27, HZJZ had recorded six cases, including three hospitalizations and three asymptomatic infections. The latest figures bring both totals to 10 and six respectively.

The institute said routine testing of blood and organ donors also identifies some infections without symptoms. It did not specify whether any of the four current asymptomatic cases were recently detected through donor screening. After authorities confirm an infection, epidemiological teams apply control measures, including insecticide treatment around places where an infected person stayed.

West Nile virus spreads mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito and does not usually pass through contact with an infected person. HZJZ recommends repellents, long sleeves and trousers, and mosquito nets. It says 70% to 80% of infections produce no symptoms, while severe neurological illness affects less than 1% of infected people.