DistantNews
Support us
West Nile fever cases rise in Serbia; elderly at higher risk
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ธ Serbia /Health & Science

West Nile fever cases rise in Serbia; elderly at higher risk

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Six cases of West Nile fever have been registered in Serbia since June 1, primarily in Belgrade, South Banat, and Central Banat districts.
  • The elderly, particularly those over 80, and individuals over 50 with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
  • Health officials urge the public to take protective measures against mosquito bites, noting that most infected individuals show no symptoms.

Serbia has registered six cases of West Nile fever since the beginning of June, according to the Dr Milan Jovanoviฤ‡ Batut Institute for Public Health. The affected districts include Belgrade, South Banat, and Central Banat. The average age of those infected is 64, with four men and two women diagnosed so far.

Most of those bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms at all.

โ€” Dragana PlavลกaSpeaking about the prevalence and symptoms of West Nile fever in Serbia.

Dragana Plavลกa from the Batut Institute stated that individuals over 80 years old and those over 50 with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing severe symptoms. However, she emphasized that the majority of people bitten by an infected mosquito do not exhibit any symptoms, making protective measures crucial.

No one needs to panic.

โ€” Dragana PlavลกaAdvising the public on the current situation regarding West Nile fever cases in Serbia.

Plavลกa reassured the public that the current situation is not alarming, recalling that 2013 and 2018 were epidemic years for the disease in Serbia. She advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, neck pain, or stiffness after a mosquito bite to seek medical attention. The institute also noted that distinguishing infected mosquitoes by sight is impossible, requiring laboratory analysis.

No one can determine with the naked eye whether a mosquito is infected or not; this is done through expert laboratory analysis.

โ€” Dragana PlavลกaExplaining the process of identifying infected mosquitoes.
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.

More Stories

From Our Blog