West Nile fever reaches Bulgaria: 63-year-old from Plovdiv treated in neurology ward
A 63-year-old from Plovdiv developed neurological complications after a Black Sea holiday; the infection was logged between 17 and 23 August.
The first confirmed case of West Nile fever in Bulgaria this season involves a 63-year-old man from Plovdiv who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital neurology ward, the National Centre for Infectious Diseases reported.
The patient developed neurological complications after a summer holiday on the Black Sea. According to health authorities, the infection was officially registered between 17 and 23 August.
He first sought medical help at the end of July complaining of muscle pain, cough and fever. One week after that initial visit his condition required hospitalisation for flu-like symptoms, and by mid‑August the disease had progressed, prompting transfer to the neurology department for specialised care.
Regional context and recent figures
For context, the Bulgarian centre's analysis shows that a total of 31 cases of West Nile fever were recorded in Bulgaria in 2025. Neighbouring Greece has also reported a recent rise in infections: authorities there recorded 23 new cases in a single week and reported six deaths, and they expect additional cases to appear.
Health officials stress that West Nile virus typically spreads in summer and early autumn via infected mosquitoes, and they urge people in affected areas to take standard precautions — using insect repellent, removing standing water near homes and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or new neurological signs appear.
Photo: press material from the event
