West Nile virus cases rise in Serbia amid extended mosquito season

Infectious disease specialist Professor Darko Nožić has provided insights into the West Nile virus situation in Serbia, noting that while 46 cases have been officially registered, the majority of infections are likely asymptomatic or mild. He estimates that between 4,000 and 5,000 people in Serbia may have had the virus without being recorded due to mild symptoms like fever and headache.

Nožić explained that only patients hospitalized with central nervous system infections are typically tested. While the virus is present annually, the current season has seen more cases due to an extended mosquito season. He warned that the virus can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis, particularly in elderly individuals or those with underlying health conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease.