Fumigation against mosquitoes helps reduce cases of West Nile fever

The number of people diagnosed with West Nile fever in the country has begun to decline gradually. The latest data show that interventions by health authorities and local government, as well as falling temperatures, have contributed to the decrease in new cases.

Mosquito spraying in settlements in the capital designated as high-risk areas has also played a role in curbing the spread of the disease. As autumn progresses and the weather becomes colder, the number of West Nile fever cases is expected to fall further, as will the number of other diseases spread by mosquitoes.

Six patients remain under treatment at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Skopje. Two of them are on mechanical ventilation due to their serious condition, while the other four patients are in stable condition.

For some patients, recovery does not end when treatment is completed. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months, while more severe forms of the disease can leave neurological and cognitive problems.

In total, 57 people infected with West Nile fever have been registered in the country. Eight of the patients, who had underlying conditions in addition to the virus infection, have died.

All patients who developed the most severe clinical form of the disease were over 60 years old. According to the information available, they had been bitten by tiger mosquitoes, which are capable of transmitting the West Nile virus.

Health authorities are continuing to implement preventive measures. The decline in temperatures during autumn is expected to further limit mosquito activity and consequently contribute to a reduction in the number of new cases.