Immunologist: West Nile Virus Outbreak Unlikely in Croatia

West Nile virus has appeared in Croatia and surrounding countries, with three confirmed cases so far. While the virus gained public attention after the death of actress Mira Furlan in 2021, immunologist Prof. Zlatko Trobonjača assures that it is unlikely to become a widespread public health crisis.

"It is not a very common disease. In principle, there could be dozens, perhaps even hundreds of cases, but it is unlikely to affect us to that extent," Trobonjača explained. He noted that Italy has seen around 350 cases, but Croatia will not experience a significant spread or become a major problem like coronavirus. The disease appears sporadically.

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It is not a very common disease. In principle, there could be dozens, perhaps even hundreds of cases, but it is unlikely to affect us to that extent.

The virus primarily infects birds and is transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex genus found throughout Croatia. Eastern Slavonia, around Osijek, Baranja, Podravina, and Posavina, have a high concentration of these mosquitoes, making these regions potentially the most vulnerable to West Nile virus infection. Western parts of Croatia, Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia (excluding the Neretva river basin) are considered less at risk.

Trobonjača clarified that the virus is not expected to spread significantly in Croatia. The focus remains on managing mosquito populations in high-risk areas to mitigate potential infections, though the overall public health threat is deemed low compared to previous epidemics.

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Croatia will not experience a significant spread or become a major problem like coronavirus.