North Macedonia confirms seven new West Nile fever cases in Skopje

North Macedonia's Ministry of Health reported seven new cases of mosquito-borne West Nile fever this week, all originating from Skopje. The patients, aged between 60 and 84, are receiving treatment at the University Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions.

Currently, 16 patients with suspected West Nile virus are at the clinic, with 15 confirmed cases and one awaiting test results. Three of these patients, all elderly with pre-existing conditions, remain in critical and intubated states, while the others are stable.

This brings the total number of West Nile virus infections registered in North Macedonia this year to 20, with the first case reported on May 15 in Veles. While most infected individuals (about 80%) show no symptoms, those who do typically experience mild flu-like symptoms. In rare instances, severe neurological illness can occur. The ministry noted that the severe form of the disease, particularly dangerous for the elderly, affects less than 1% of infected individuals and can lead to high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, or paralysis.

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Three patients are still in critical condition and are intubated. These are elderly people with accompanying illnesses.