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North Macedonia registers first Zika virus case
🇷🇸 Serbia /Health & Science

North Macedonia registers first Zika virus case

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • North Macedonia has registered its first case of the Zika virus infection.
  • The infected individual contracted the virus after being bitten by a mosquito while visiting the Maldives between May 20 and May 28, 2026.
  • The patient is not hospitalized and is recovering at home, showing mild symptoms.

North Macedonia has confirmed its first-ever case of the Zika virus infection, according to the Institute of Public Health (IJZ). The affected individual contracted the virus during a trip to the Maldives from May 20 to May 28, 2026, where they were reportedly bitten by a mosquito.

Symptoms, including fever and body aches, first appeared on May 24, 2026. Upon returning to North Macedonia, the patient sought medical attention at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions in Skopje. Initial suspicions pointed towards dengue fever.

During their stay there, the patient provided information about mosquito bites. Immediately upon return, they went for an examination at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions (KIBFS, in Skopje), where dengue fever was suspected.

— Institute of Public HealthExplaining the initial medical suspicion and patient's actions after returning from the Maldives.

Laboratory tests conducted at the IJZ's Virology Department confirmed both serological and molecular positive results for Zika. The patient, who has not been hospitalized, is currently undergoing home treatment and is reported to be in good general condition. Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, but can also spread sexually or through blood transfusions.

According to the results of the microbiological examination, a positive serological and molecular finding for 'zika' was obtained.

— Institute of Public HealthConfirming the laboratory diagnosis of the Zika virus.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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