70 cases of West Nile fever registered in North Macedonia, most in Skopje
Seventy cases reported this year through September 22; most infections and all deaths occurred among older men, authorities say.
The Institute of Public Health reported that, as of September 22, 2026, a total of 70 cases of West Nile fever have been registered in North Macedonia this year. Of those, 65 meet the case definition as confirmed infections and five are counted as probable cases, according to the institute's latest weekly epidemiological bulletin.
Epidemiological snapshot
By place of residence, the overwhelming majority of patients are from Skopje — 63 cases. Three cases were registered in Veles, and single cases were recorded in Kumanovo, Sveti Nikole, Kavadarci and Tetovo.
Men make up most of the reported infections: 52 cases (74.3 percent) were male and 18 (25.7 percent) female. Age distribution is concentrated among older adults: 57 patients (81.4 percent) were aged over 60, seven were 50–59, two were 40–49, one was 30–39 and three were 20–29.
Nine of the hospitalized confirmed cases have died; all nine were male. Comorbidities were identified in eight of the deceased patients.
During the most recent reporting week, from September 16 to 22, five new cases were notified: three in Skopje and one each in Veles and Tetovo.
Health authorities continue surveillance and case reporting while monitoring the geographic spread and severity of infections. The bulletin reiterates the importance of personal protection against mosquito bites, particularly for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
Photo: press material from the event
