West Nile fever reaches Albania: first patient hospitalized in Korçë

The first case of West Nile fever has been confirmed in Albania — the virus was diagnosed in a 72-year-old man from Korçë who is hospitalized at the Regional Hospital in Korçë and is receiving appropriate treatment.

According to the Albanian Ministry of Health, the man was bitten by a mosquito while spending time in his garden. After symptoms appeared he went to the hospital, and testing showed the presence of the West Nile virus. Members of his family and other close contacts were tested; their results were negative.

Reporting and numbers

The case was reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Since the beginning of 2026, 30 samples from people suspected of having this infection have been tested in Albania and all previous results were negative.

In past seasons Albania recorded cases of this infection: in 2024 there were 107 confirmed cases with a further 50 suspected, while in 2025 two confirmed cases were reported. According to ECDC data, by 21 August 625 locally acquired infections were registered in 12 European countries — Italy 311, Greece 157, Spain 63, and in the European system North Macedonia has 37 cases.

Albanian health authorities say that during the mosquito breeding season they carried out disinfection measures in coastal areas, while local authorities are responsible for protective interventions in their municipalities. Citizens are urged to put mosquito nets on windows and to clean stagnant water; the authorities say they will spray and will inform.

Photo: press material from the event