North Macedonia: West Nile virus has claimed its eighth victim

West Nile virus has caused the eighth death in North Macedonia, where authorities have reported 58 cases of infection this year. All the deceased were between 62 and 83 years old and also suffered from other health problems.

The infections are transmitted by mosquitoes and spread seasonally in Europe, particularly from late spring through autumn, with transmission peaking between July and September. The cases are being monitored in the context of the virus’s expanding circulation across the continent.

The European Union’s health agency recently announced that 15 European countries had recorded more than 1,000 cases of West Nile virus infection combined. In mild forms, the disease can cause flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to fever, tremors, coma, meningitis, and encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of brain tissue.

Currently, there is no vaccine or preventive treatment against the virus available on the market.