Australia warns travelers about West Nile fever outbreak in Macedonia

Australian travelers planning to visit Macedonia are advised to exercise caution due to an outbreak of West Nile fever. Authorities recommend taking protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.

According to the official Australian government travel advice website, Smartraveller, an outbreak of West Nile virus has been reported in Macedonia. The guidance for this destination was updated today, September 2, and the situation has been included in the latest information for travelers. Despite this, Macedonia remains at the lowest travel advice level, which means observing normal safety precautions.

Australian authorities say there is currently no vaccine against West Nile fever. For this reason, travelers are advised to use insect repellent, wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and stay in areas protected from insects.

The latest data from health authorities show that a total of 55 cases of West Nile fever have been recorded in the country. Of these, 53 have been confirmed through laboratory testing, while two cases remain unconfirmed. Nineteen hospitalized patients are currently being treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje.

Five new cases were recorded during the past week, three of which were confirmed. This marks a decrease compared with previous weeks, when the weekly number of cases ranged from nine to 11.

West Nile virus infection occurs mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Since the beginning of the year, six people in Macedonia have died as a result of confirmed West Nile fever.