Klekovski: 35 West Nile fever cases confirmed, three people have died

Thirty-five cases of West Nile fever have been confirmed in the country, while three other cases remain suspected and are undergoing diagnostic procedures. At the Infectious Diseases Clinic, six patients in critical condition are receiving intensive care treatment.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said at a press conference today that most people with confirmed diagnoses have been hospitalised at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases. Another patient is being treated at a private healthcare institution.

According to the minister, three deaths have been recorded so far. Meanwhile, 15 patients have recovered and been discharged from the Infectious Diseases Clinic.

Speaking about the situation in the region, Klekovski said that Athens is currently the most active area in Europe for West Nile fever. Greece has so far recorded 81 cases of the neuroinvasive form and nine deaths, while cases have also already appeared in areas near the border with North Macedonia.

“Diagnostic healthcare capacities have been raised to the highest level. While in previous years around 40 tests were carried out annually, we are now conducting between four and eight tests a day. We must remember that two independent tests are required for the final confirmation of the diagnosis,” Klekovski said.

He also said that all doctors who may come into contact with patients suspected of being infected have been notified.

“All infectious disease departments, general practitioners and family doctors, the Neurology Clinic, as well as neurologists in general, have been informed. Therefore, the readiness and capacity to recognise and diagnose the disease are in place,” Klekovski stressed.

The minister explained that, when mapping cases, a patient’s place of residence should not be equated with the place where infection with the virus occurred, and a distinction should be made between the two.