Ninth West Nile fatality in North Macedonia — 66-year-old from Kumanovo dies
A 66-year-old man from Kumanovo died after almost a month in hospital; health authorities report 70 confirmed cases nationwide.
Northern Macedonia recorded its ninth fatality from West Nile virus after a 66-year-old man from Kumanovo died this past weekend following nearly a month of hospitalization.
The patient had been placed on mechanical ventilation and suffered from several pre-existing comorbidities. He was one of two people with the most severe clinical presentations and ultimately did not survive despite intensive care.
Hospital situation and clinical comment
“Despite all the measures taken by the medical staff of the intensive care unit, a fatal outcome occurred. The patient had numerous accompanying illnesses and, naturally, that is one of the risk factors that produce an unfavorable outcome,” said Dr. Fadil Cana, director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic.
So far authorities have registered 70 confirmed West Nile cases across the country. The highest number of infections is in Dracevo (13), followed by Butel (7), Gazi Baba (6), Ilinden (4) and Aerodrom (4). Jurumleri, Chair and Studenichani each have three reported cases, while Veles, Indzhikovo, Centar, Sopishte, Zelenikovo and Kisela Voda each report two cases.
To date, 66 patients have sought medical attention at the Infectious Diseases Clinic for West Nile virus. Eleven patients are currently hospitalized at the clinic, including one with a severe clinical condition in the intensive care unit. The clinic’s most recent admission was on September 19.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control listed North Macedonia among five Balkan countries with the highest number of reported West Nile cases. Authorities carried out an extraordinary aerial mosquito disinfestation over the capital last weekend. North Macedonia declared an epidemic of West Nile virus in August.
Photo: press material from the event
