West Nile virus activity reported in Serbia while Republika Srpska remains unaffected

Health authorities in the Balkans report varying levels of West Nile virus activity during the current surveillance season. The Institute for Public Health of Republika Srpska has reported no presence of the virus in Republika Srpska so far this year.

In contrast, the Dr Milan Jovanović Batut Institute in Serbia has recorded 43 cases of West Nile fever between June 1 and September 13. These cases are spread across ten districts, with Belgrade recording the highest number at 14. Of the reported cases in Serbia, 40 are classified as non-neuroinvasive. The average age of those infected in Serbia is 66.6 years.

Medical experts note that while approximately 80 percent of infected individuals show no symptoms, about 20 percent develop fever, headaches, or body aches. Less than 1 percent of cases develop severe neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal or lead to permanent neurological damage. Prevention efforts focus on avoiding mosquito bites, as transmission is most intense between July and October.