# Balkan mosquito control intensifies amid West Nile fever

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mosquito-control-measures-in-north-macedonia
> Updated: 2026-08-18T20:01:41.000Z. Sources: 87. Developments: 31.

Heat-wave mitigation across the Balkans continues to focus on public cooling, mosquito control, and protecting infrastructure. Mosquito management remains a high priority due to disease risks. In North Macedonia, the situation has escalated into a West Nile fever epidemic. As of August 18, 38 cases have been reported, including 36 confirmed cases and two probable infections. The outbreak has resulted in four deaths, all involving patients with the neuroinvasive form of the disease; the deceased were men aged 62 to 83. Most cases, 37, are concentrated in the Skopje region.

In response, the Ministry of Health is monitoring municipal spraying efforts and conducting an SMS campaign to reach approximately 38,500 citizens. In Bitola, the municipality has launched extraordinary disinfection measures. In Skopje, 12 to 13 disinfection treatments have targeted both adult mosquitoes and larvae, with Skopsko Pole identified as a high-risk area due to low elevation and stagnant water. 

A political dispute has emerged in Skopje regarding the management of the outbreak. The SDSM party criticized Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski, alleging that mosquito control measures were “too late, too weak, or missed key hotspots.” Conversely, VMRO-DPMNE defended the city’s actions, characterizing the criticisms as “accusations, lies, manipulations, and disinformation.” Despite official efforts, some residents report an alarming mosquito presence, citing uncleaned debris and fallen trees from recent storms as potential breeding grounds.

In Serbia, Belgrade’s public utility JKP Gradska čistoća has expanded its mosquito control campaign to include Grocka, Vinča, Ritopek, and Vrčin, as well as the Danube banks and various urban residential areas. Authorities have advised beekeepers to take precautions and urged residents to remove standing water.

## Claims

- As of August 18, 38 cases of West Nile fever have been registered in Macedonia, with 36 confirmed and two probable. (disputed by 6 sources)
- 37 of the registered West Nile fever cases occurred within the Skopje region. (disputed by 6 sources)
- All registered cases in 2026 involved patients with neuroinvasive disease. (disputed)
- Four deaths have been recorded among individuals suffering from the neuroinvasive form of West Nile fever. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Health Minister Sasho Klevkovski stated that detailed results regarding municipal mosquito spraying controls will be released tomorrow. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The City of Skopje conducted 12 mosquito sprayings, consisting of six for adult mosquitoes and six for larvae. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Skopsko Pole is identified as a high-risk zone due to its low elevation, stagnant water, and agricultural channels. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Of the 38 West Nile fever cases, 33 patients are over the age of 60. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bitola Municipality has initiated extraordinary larvicidal and adulticidal disinfection to combat mosquito vectors. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Ministry has sent 6,526 SMS messages to citizens regarding mosquito protection, with over 31,000 more planned. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: North Macedonia reports 38 West Nile fever cases and four deaths

North Macedonia reports 38 West Nile fever cases and four deaths, primarily in the Skopje region. Health authorities are intensifying mosquito control and public awareness campaigns to curb the outbreak.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-to-release-audit-results-on-municipal-mosquito-spraying

### 2026-08-18: Skopje mosquito epidemic sparks political dispute over disinfection efficacy

Skopje faces a mosquito-borne epidemic with 38 cases and four deaths reported. Political parties are clashing over the effectiveness of disinfection measures while residents report worsening conditions.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-conducts-13th-mosquito-disinfection-of-the-season

### 2026-08-10: Plovdiv mosquito control campaign scheduled through August

Plovdiv's Disinfection Station will conduct nighttime mosquito control treatments across various districts through late August, advising beekeepers to limit bee flights during treatment hours.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plovdiv-mosquito-control-campaign-scheduled-through-august

### 2026-08-08: Belgrade conducts mosquito control operations in Grocka and surrounding areas

JKP Gradska Čistoća is performing mosquito control treatments in Belgrade, including Grocka and Vinča, between 3:30 and 7:00 AM, with warnings issued to beekeepers to protect their hives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgrade-conducts-mosquito-control-operations-in-grocka-and-surrounding-areas

### 2026-08-06: Thessaloniki region launches aerial mosquito‑spraying campaign

Aerial mosquito spraying will take place over 120,000 stremmata of rice fields in Thessaloniki and Imathia from 10‑12 August, using helicopters and ministry‑approved insecticide, with restrictions on nearby‑res

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-region-launches-aerial-mosquitospraying-campaign

### 2026-08-04: Belgrade's City Cleanliness Service Begins Mosquito Control

On 4 Aug, Belgrade’s JKP Gradska čistoća will fog adult mosquitoes in several districts from 22:00‑01:00, weather‑dependent; residents are urged to cooperate and report sightings.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgrades-city-cleanliness-service-begins-mosquito-control

### 2026-07-30: Mosquito Adulticidal Sprays Launched in Macedonia and Croatia

Macedonia’s health ministry and Croatia’s Drnje municipality each launched adulticidal mosquito sprays to curb West Nile virus risk and mosquito nuisance.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mosquito-adulticidal-sprays-launched-in-macedonia-and-croatia

### 2026-07-29: Skopje to Conduct Aerial Mosquito Disinfection Over Next Two Days

Skopje’s municipality will perform aerial mosquito spraying over the next two days, weather‑dependent, as part of its annual vector‑control program.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-to-conduct-aerial-mosquito-disinfection-over-next-two-days

### 2026-07-20: Mosquito Spraying Campaigns Begin in Plovdiv (BG) and Hrvatska Dubica (HR)

Plovdiv, Bulgaria, will spray adulticidal mosquito chemicals city‑wide from 20 July–7 August 2026, while Hrvatska Dubica, Croatia, plans combined larvicidal and adulticidal treatments on 26 May 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mosquito-spraying-campaigns-begin-in-plovdiv-bg-and-hrvatska-dubica-hr

### 2026-07-18: Europe turns to Africa for heat‑wave adaptation strategies

Europe’s worsening heatwaves are prompting officials to study Africa’s long‑standing low‑tech climate‑adaptation methods, from passive building designs to urban greening, as potential models for European cities

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/europe-turns-to-africa-for-heatwave-adaptation-strategies

### 2026-07-15: Europe steps up to shield railways and roads from record heat

Europe combats record heat damaging railways and roads with drones, AI, water‑cooling runways and white‑painted tracks, while billions are earmarked for upgrades amid GDP loss warnings.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/europe-uses-drones-ai-and-white-paint-to-protect-against-heat

### 2026-07-14: Larissa region launches vineyard restructuring aid and olive‑moth spray program

Larissa’s agricultural directorate opened a vineyard grant application period (7‑28 July 2026) and began a July 15 dolomitic spray against olive moth across multiple municipalities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/larissa-region-launches-vineyard-restructuring-aid-and-olivemoth-spray-program

### 2026-07-13: Križevci, Croatia Launches Multi‑Day Mosquito Fogging Campaign

Križevci will fog its streets at night from 14‑16 July 2026 to curb mosquitoes, urging residents to stay indoors and beekeepers to seal hives.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/krievci-croatia-launches-multiday-mosquito-fogging-campaign

### 2026-07-13: Plovdiv continues nightly mosquito spraying through July 17

Plovdiv will spray approved insecticides nightly until July 17, covering parks, a canal and playgrounds, with work from 21:00‑04:30 and beekeepers asked to limit flights.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plovdiv-continues-nightly-mosquito-spraying-through-july-17

### 2026-07-11: Belgrade and Sukošan start mosquito control campaigns in July

Belgrade and Sukošan will carry out mosquito control measures in mid‑July, targeting adult mosquitoes in Belgrade on 13 July and larvae in Sukošan from 14‑16 July, with public cooperation urged.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgrade-and-sukoan-start-mosquito-control-campaigns-in-july

### 2026-07-10: Skopje to begin citywide mosquito disinfection on July 13, 2026

Skopje will conduct a night‑time ground disinfection against mosquitoes from 22:00‑03:00 on 13 July 2026, after a recent rise in insects; beekeepers are advised to protect hives.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-to-begin-citywide-mosquito-disinfection-on-july-13-2026

### 2026-07-08: Messinia, Greece Schedules Pesticide Spraying for Olive Groves

Messinia’s agricultural directorate plans pesticide spraying for olive groves on 9‑10 July 2026, covering several local communities and issuing safety guidelines for growers, beekeepers and bio‑farmers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messinia-greece-schedules-pesticide-spraying-for-olive-groves

### 2026-07-07: Municipal mosquito control operations in Velika Gorica and Belgrade

Velika Gorica (Croatia) and Belgrade (Serbia) conducted municipal mosquito‑control actions in early July 2026, targeting larvae with larvicides and adults with fogging across multiple public sites.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/municipal-mosquito-control-operations-in-velika-gorica-and-belgrade

### 2026-07-05: Messinia, Greece to carry out pesticide spraying in several villages

Messinia's agricultural directorate scheduled pesticide sprays for olive orchards on 6 July and 8 July 2026, covering several villages and issuing safety guidelines for farmers, livestock owners, and beekeepers

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messinia-greece-to-carry-out-pesticide-spraying-in-several-villages

### 2026-06-26: Greek island officials tackle police staffing and mosquito control

Greek island officials met to address police staffing shortages and unveiled a €2 million mosquito‑control plan emphasizing public health and citizen participation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-island-officials-tackle-police-staffing-and-mosquito-control

### 2026-06-25: Hungarian villages schedule ground mosquito spraying in June 2026

Deszk and Szigetújfalu in Hungary will conduct ground mosquito spraying on June 29‑30, 2026 using Deltasect, with safety instructions issued to residents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-villages-schedule-ground-mosquito-spraying-in-june-2026

### 2026-06-24: Ljubljana heatwave spurs cooling spots as European cities impose alcohol bans

Europe’s heat wave drives health alerts, alcohol bans and cooling measures, while Ljubljana adds free water fountains, misting spots and pool access to combat near‑40 °C temperatures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ljubljana-heatwave-spurs-cooling-spots-as-european-cities-impose-alcohol-bans

### 2026-06-23: European cities deploy cooling sites and adapt festivals amid record heat wave

European cities set up cooling sites, adjust services and festivals, and implement heat‑related work measures as a record heat wave sweeps the continent.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-cities-deploy-cooling-sites-and-adapt-festivals-amid-record-heat-wave

### 2026-06-23: Europe heatwave 2026 drives record temperatures and AC shortages

A record-breaking European heatwave in June 2026 sends temperatures over 40 °C across France, Spain and the UK, strains cooling resources, triggers health warnings, and drives tourists north to cooler Scandinav

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/europe-heatwave-drives-millions-to-cool-off-in-rivers-canals-and-lakes

### 2026-06-23: Greece starts 2026 Daoktonia pesticide sprays in Messinia, Rethymno

Greece’s agricultural agencies began the 2026 Daoktonia pesticide program, launching sprays in Messinia on June 25 and in Rethymno on June 29, pending suitable weather, to protect olive orchards.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-starts-2026-daoktonia-pesticide-sprays-in-messinia-rethymno

### 2026-06-22: Vaslui and Târgoviște commence mosquito‑control spraying operations

Vaslui (June 24) and Târgoviște (June 29‑July 4) will spray insecticide to curb mosquitoes, urging residents to stay indoors and beekeepers to protect hives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vaslui-and-trgovite-commence-mosquitocontrol-spraying-operations

### 2026-06-22: European cities launch cooling stations as heatwave sweeps the region

Europe’s heatwave drives cities to open free cooling sites, sparks air‑conditioner buying advice in Croatia, reveals mosquito bite research, and fuels mountain‑vacation promotions in Serbia.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mosquito-bite-factors-cheap-bedroom-cooling-and-mountain-getaways-offered-as-balkan-summer-heat-reme

### 2026-06-10: Central Macedonia launches aerial mosquito control over Thessaloniki and Pieria

Greece's Central Macedonia region started aerial mosquito spraying on 11 June 2026 over Thessaloniki and Pieria, covering 30,000‑45,000 ha of rice fields as part of a 2026‑2028 control program.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-macedonia-launches-aerial-mosquito-control-over-thessaloniki-and-pieria

### 2026-06-08: Belgrade municipality launches mosquito‑control fogging operations

Belgrade's municipal cleaning service will fog numerous city sites on June 8‑9 to reduce adult mosquitoes, using registered biocides, pending suitable weather.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgrade-municipality-launches-mosquitocontrol-fogging-operations

### 2026-06-01: Skopje launches second aerial mosquito‑disinfection phase to curb disease risk

Skopje completed its second aerial mosquito‑disinfection operation, with more aerial and ground spraying planned to protect public health.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-launches-second-aerial-mosquitodisinfection-phase-to-curb-disease-risk

### 2026-05-31: Mosquitoes: Home elimination methods advised in North Macedonia and Kosovo

Advice in North Macedonia and Kosovo urges black netting, essential oils, removal of standing water, and ultrasonic or UV devices to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mosquitoes-home-elimination-methods-advised-in-north-macedonia-and-kosovo

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Cite as: Balkan mosquito control intensifies amid West Nile fever. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mosquito-control-measures-in-north-macedonia