West Nile fever declared an epidemic in several Skopje municipalities

The Ministry of Health announced that an epidemic of West Nile fever has been declared in several municipalities and neighbourhoods of Skopje after 26 cases of the disease were registered in the country.

The authorities identified the affected municipalities as Kisela Voda, Gazi Baba, Aerodrom, Butel and Ilinden. Affected neighbourhoods include Drachevo, Przino, Dolno Lisiche, Kadino and Jurumleri.

Health authorities outline response

Deputy Minister of Health Jovica Andovski said the move follows the current epidemiological situation and the activity of the virus. He urged calm while calling for a stepped-up institutional response: "This is not a new disease, it has been present in previous years, and this year because of the current epidemiological situation, the number of confirmed cases and the activity of the virus, the need arose for an enhanced institutional response. We are monitoring the situation in coordination with the Institute for Public Health, the Centers for Public Health, the Commission for Infectious Diseases and the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, in order to promptly identify and treat cases, as well as to prevent the occurrence of new cases," Andovski said.

Maria Gochevska of the Institute for Public Health reported that, as of 11 August, 26 cases had been registered, two of them classified as probable. "These are autochthonous cases from our country, and one person had travelled to Greece. All cases are of the neuroinvasive form," she said. Of the total, 25 patients are from Skopje and one from Veles; 22 patients are aged over 60.

Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions director Fadil Cana said patients are receiving care at the clinic, which has the necessary capacity and diagnostic tools. Four patients are being treated as suspected cases and remain under diagnostic evaluation. Eight patients have been discharged to continue care at home. One 83-year-old patient died; according to Cana the patient had other illnesses.

Health officials urged citizens to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites, such as wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding places with higher exposure to mosquitoes. The Ministry of Health said it will continue to inform the public in a timely and transparent manner about changes in the epidemiological situation.

Separately, officials announced that from 1 October patients will be able to register consent for post-mortem organ donation with their family physician.

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