Second death from West Nile fever confirmed in North Macedonia
A 72-year-old patient died after developing severe neurological complications; 24 people are currently hospitalized, officials say.
Health authorities have confirmed a second fatality from West Nile fever in North Macedonia: a 72-year-old man who had been treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions and developed serious neurological complications, clinic director Fadil Cana said.
At present, 24 patients are hospitalized at the clinic. Laboratory tests have confirmed West Nile virus infection in 19 of those patients, while results are pending for six more. Seven patients remain in a more serious condition.
Current situation and recent fatality
The 72-year-old patient is the second confirmed death from West Nile fever in the country. Earlier, an 83-year-old patient with pre-existing comorbidities also died after contracting the virus.
Clinic director Fadil Cana provided the case numbers and status update, noting the neurologic complications observed in the most recent fatal case. Health services continue monitoring hospitalized patients and await pending laboratory results.
Authorities have reiterated surveillance and clinical care measures as the outbreak is followed, while families of the affected patients are being informed about the course of treatment and prognosis.
Medical teams continue diagnostic and supportive care for those admitted, and hospitals are coordinating to manage the caseload as more test outcomes arrive.
Photo: press material from the event
