Macedonia reports seven suspected West Nile virus cases, three in critical condition

The Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje has hospitalized ten patients with confirmed West Nile virus infection and seven additional suspected cases. All patients are over 60 years old, have comorbidities, and have not traveled abroad.

Three patients, aged 64, 69 and 73, are in critical condition on the intensive‑care unit, intubated and on mechanical ventilation. The remaining patients are in stable condition under neuro‑infection care. Director Dr. Fadil Cana said further cerebrospinal‑fluid testing is required to confirm the neuro‑invasive form of the disease, noting that PCR is not the gold standard for this diagnosis.

The Ministry of Health confirmed no new laboratory‑confirmed cases, but warned that the number of suspected cases is rising and that the incubation period can be up to 14 days. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, especially among the elderly, who are most vulnerable to severe West Nile virus infection.