West Nile virus causes rising deaths and health alarms across the Balkans

West Nile virus epidemic Balkans mosquito control public health

West Nile virus is causing a significant public health surge across the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. In North Macedonia, health officials have reported nine deaths, including a 66-year-old man from Kumanovo who died after 28 days of hospitalization. The infectious diseases clinic in Skopje has treated 66 patients in total, with 11 currently undergoing treatment.

In response to the outbreak, the Levica political party has filed a formal complaint against the City of Skopje, alleging a lack of transparency regarding the timing, effectiveness, and specific chemicals used in mosquito control treatments. The party claims that some seasonal treatments were scheduled before contracts were even finalized.

Other regional impacts include Kosovo, which has confirmed seven cases and two deaths within a one-month period. Romania has also seen a rise in activity, recording 95 cases and five deaths between June and September. Meanwhile, in Greece, 64 patients are currently hospitalized, with 35 requiring intensive care.

Health authorities in affected areas have issued warnings, particularly for individuals over 60 and those on immunosuppressive therapy, as the virus continues to spread through mosquito vectors.

Entities

Clinic for Infectious Diseases · European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · Fadil Cana · Gjakova · Greece · Kosovo · Levica · National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo · North Macedonia · Prishtina · Romania · University Clinical Center of Kosovo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Greece has recorded 33 deaths due to West Nile virus complications involving the central nervous system. www.ygeiamou.gr · www.proson.gr · www.actualno.com
[● 3 SOURCES] In Greece, 64 patients are currently hospitalized with West Nile virus, with 35 in intensive care. www.ygeiamou.gr · www.proson.gr · www.actualno.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Romania, Bucharest recorded the highest number of infections with 37 cases. www.formaremedicala.ro
[○ 1 SOURCE] A 54-year-old man in Braila, Romania, was confirmed as a West Nile virus patient on September 18, 2026. www.monitoruldegalati.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] Greece has recorded 370 domestic West Nile virus cases from the start of 2026 to September 17. www.ygeiamou.gr · www.proson.gr · www.actualno.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Romania recorded 95 West Nile virus cases and 5 deaths between June 3 and September 16. www.formaremedicala.ro · epitesti.ro · www.actualno.com
[● 4 SOURCES] North Macedonia has recorded nine deaths from West Nile virus. ruse.news · trn.mk · www.actualno.com · denesmagazin.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] A total of 66 patients have been hospitalized with West Nile virus at the clinic so far. ruse.news · trn.mk · www.actualno.com
[● 3 SOURCES] There are currently 11 patients being treated at the infectious diseases clinic. ruse.news · trn.mk · www.actualno.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Kosovo has confirmed seven West Nile virus cases and two deaths within a one-month period. sinjali.com · infokosova.net · veriu.info · ekonomiaonline.com · www.syri-vision.tv
[● 3 SOURCES] A 66-year-old man from Kumanovo died from West Nile virus complications after being hospitalized for 28 days. ruse.news · trn.mk · www.actualno.com
[● 3 SOURCES] A total of 66 patients have been hospitalized with West Nile virus at the infectious diseases clinic in Skopje. ruse.news · trn.mk · www.actualno.com