West Nile fever surges in North Macedonia — 56 cases and seven recent deaths

The country is registering an alarming number of West Nile fever cases and fatalities: seven people have died in just the last few months, while ten deaths have been recorded over the past 15 years.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the rise in infections and fatalities follows a negative trend affecting much of Europe, and added that municipalities have taken the necessary measures to control mosquito spread. Opposition parties countered that the state ranks highest in Europe for cases relative to population and accused authorities of failing to act promptly in the capital, pointing fingers at Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski.

"Klekovski and Mickoski do not manage the crisis – the number of those infected with West Nile fever has increased: 56 cases, 7 dead... In Macedonia up to 1 September this year a total of 56 cases of West Nile fever have been registered, and there are 7 dead. Macedonia is in first place in Europe by number of infected relative to population, ahead of countries such as Italy, Greece and Romania. The government of Mickoski does not have the capacity to prevent and to protect the health of citizens, but reacts only after the crisis escalates. They even do not spray against mosquitoes in time, and with that Orce Gjorgjievski is late," SDSM said.

Hospitalizations and infected birds

According to the latest figures, about 20 patients are currently hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases. Earlier the Food and Veterinary Agency reported infected birds, including one found near the Drama Theatre in Karposh.

The exchange between the government and the opposition highlights growing public concern over vector control measures and the speed of the official response as health services continue to treat and monitor new cases.

Photo: press material from the event