Europe Records Over 240 West Nile Virus Cases, Macedonia Among Hardest-Hit Countries

More than 240 people in Europe have been confirmed as infected with West Nile virus this year, with Macedonia ranking among the countries with the highest number of cases. The infection is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and, in certain forms, can cause serious health complications.

The figures were released in the weekly report published on Friday by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which confirmed that the number of infections across the continent has exceeded 240.

Italy tops the list with 139 cases, followed by Greece with 61. Spain has recorded 17 cases, while 13 infections have been reported in Macedonia. However, according to the latest data from domestic institutions, the total number of cases in the country had reached 20 as of yesterday. Romania has recorded six cases, France four and Germany one.

At the end of last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for increased vigilance following reports of several cases of West Nile fever in Southern Europe.

The WHO explains that the virus usually circulates between mosquitoes and birds. When mosquitoes become infected, they can transmit the virus to humans through their bites, particularly between July and September.

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German agency responsible for disease control and prevention, most infected people are unaware that they are carrying the virus. For this reason, researchers believe the actual number of cases may be significantly higher than the reported figure.

When the infection develops into a severe form, it can affect the nervous system and cause encephalitis or meningitis. There is currently neither a vaccine nor a cure for the virus, so doctors focus solely on relieving symptoms.

The WHO recommends that travelers take precautions against mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents and wearing appropriate clothing.