Seven West Nile infections confirmed in Croatia, two patients on ventilators; virus found at five Zagreb sites

Croatia has confirmed seven West Nile virus infections, and the cases are no longer limited to Zagreb. Infections have also been recorded in Zagreb County and other parts of central and eastern Croatia.

Four of the infected people had no symptoms, while three developed illness. Two of the most seriously ill patients, both older adults, are being treated in intensive care and neuroinfectious disease units at the Dr. Fran Mihaljević Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Zagreb.

“Both are older and on mechanical ventilation. One is somewhat better, while the condition of the other remains serious,” said Marko Kutleša, head of the clinic’s department, according to Jutarnji list.

The virus has also been detected in five dead crows found at separate locations in Zagreb. Authorities responded by increasing mosquito-control measures. The Croatian Institute of Public Health said there was no reason for panic, while urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

West Nile virus spreads to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, while birds act as its natural hosts. Between 70% and 80% of infected people have no symptoms. When illness develops, common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, weakness, and muscle and joint pain. Severe neurological disease affects fewer than 1% of those infected, with older people, those with chronic illnesses, and people with weakened immune systems facing the greatest risk.

The virus appears in Croatia during summer and early autumn. The country’s largest outbreak in recent years came in 2018, when 63 cases were reported and four people died.

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Both are older and on mechanical ventilation. One is somewhat better, while the condition of the other remains serious.