West Nile Virus Epidemic Declared in North Macedonia; Five Dead

North Macedonia has declared an epidemic of West Nile virus following a sharp increase in infections and fatalities. At least 43 cases have been confirmed, with five deaths attributed to the virus, primarily affecting individuals in the capital region of Skopje. The Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje is admitting new patients almost daily.

Authorities have implemented widespread mosquito control measures, including aerial and ground spraying, and treatment of canals and water bodies. Citizens are urged to eliminate standing water, empty swimming pools, and report any dead birds, which serve as natural reservoirs for the virus. Thirty-four mosquito breeding sites have been identified, with 13 marked as high-risk.

Currently, 21 patients are hospitalized at the Skopje clinic, 18 of whom have neurological complications from the virus. Four patients are in intensive care in critical condition. The director of the clinic noted a steady stream of hospitalizations, with a recent case involving a 25-year-old man with neuroinvasive disease and a 73-year-old man succumbing after a prolonged battle with the virus.

The virus is also spreading across Europe, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reporting 625 locally acquired cases in 12 countries by August 21. Italy leads with 311 cases, followed by Greece with 157 and Spain with 63. Serbia, Albania, and Kosovo have also reported infections. This year's outbreak in North Macedonia is a significant escalation from last year, when only two locally acquired cases were recorded.

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Almost every day someone is hospitalized.