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2026-08-19 20:38 UTC → 2026-08-21 19:33 UTC ·
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Balkan mosquito control intensifies amid West Nile fever escalates in Balkans and California
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 The West Nile fever epidemic. As of August 18, 38 cases have been reported, epidemic in North Macedonia has expanded, with health authorities reporting 43 total cases, including 36 40 confirmed cases and two probable infections. The outbreak has resulted Four deaths have been recorded, primarily among elderly citizens in four deaths, all involving patients the Skopje region. Officials have identified 34 high-risk areas, including locations with stagnant water and organic waste, and have implemented mosquito control measures such as fumigation and SMS alerts. Health Minister Sasho Klekovski has identified septic tanks, stagnant water, and dead river sections as significant risks for virus spread. He recommended the neuroinvasive form disinfection of the disease; septic tanks as a protective measure, particularly for suburban areas around Skopje that lack urban sewage systems. However, the deceased were men aged 62 to 83. Most cases, 37, specific bacillus tablets required for such disinfection are concentrated currently unavailable in the Skopje region. In response, the Ministry of Health country, a resource that is monitoring municipal spraying efforts and conducting an SMS campaign to reach approximately 38,500 citizens. In Bitola, already being utilized in Greece. Other identified breeding grounds include irrigation channels in the municipality has launched extraordinary disinfection measures. Skopje Field, sand pits, cemeteries, and old tire deposits. In Skopje, 12 to 13 disinfection treatments zones have targeted both adult mosquitoes and larvae, with Skopsko Pole identified been designated as a high-risk area due to low elevation and stagnant water. A high priority for mosquito spraying, using preparations verified as safe by World Health Organization recommendations. This follows previous political dispute has emerged disputes 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 capital regarding the criticisms as “accusations, lies, manipulations, and disinformation.” Despite official efforts, some residents report an alarming mosquito presence, citing uncleaned debris timing and fallen trees from recent storms as potential breeding grounds. In Serbia, Belgrade’s public utility JKP Gradska čistoća efficacy of municipal disinfection efforts. Regionally, Greece has expanded its mosquito control campaign to include Grocka, Vinča, Ritopek, reported 157 domestic cases and Vrčin, as well 13 deaths as of August 19, 2026, with fatalities occurring exclusively in patients over age 65. In the Danube banks and various urban residential areas. Authorities have advised beekeepers to take precautions United States, California is seeing a five-year high in activity, with 30 human cases and urged residents to remove standing water. three fatalities reported as of mid-August.