West Nile virus death toll reaches 10 in North Macedonia

A 70-year-old patient from Skopje has died at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases after battling West Nile virus for 57 days. The patient, who had multiple comorbidities, was receiving intensive care before passing away over the weekend.

This marks the tenth death from the virus in North Macedonia this year. According to Dr. Fadil Cana, director of the clinic, there are currently seven patients hospitalized, all over the age of 60. Two of these patients are in critical condition and have been moved to intensive care. The hospitalized patients originate from Skopje, Veles, Tetovo, and Rosoman.

So far this year, there have been 71 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the country, resulting in 10 deaths. Dr. Cana noted that the mortality rate remains within global and European averages, similar to rates observed in countries like Greece and Italy. He advised the public to follow health ministry guidelines and remain cautious as the infection persists in nature.