Kosovo Records First Case of West Nile Virus in 2026

Kosovo’s first case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026 was confirmed on Friday by the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPH-K).

The confirmation was made at the Microbiology Laboratory. The patient is a male citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, born in 2005. He is being treated at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo.

The NIPH-K announcement stated that the patient’s condition is stable and that he is receiving the necessary treatment.

“The case concerns a male person, born in 2005, a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, who is being treated at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. The patient is in stable condition and is receiving the necessary treatment,” the NIPH-K statement said.

The epidemiological investigation showed that the patient had not traveled outside Kosovo to countries where the virus is currently circulating.

The NIPH-K clarified that the infection confirmed on August 7 constitutes the first case registered in Kosovo during 2026.

During the 2021–2025 period, a total of nine cases of West Nile virus were recorded in Kosovo. Of these, seven were registered in 2024, while one case was reported in each of 2023 and 2025.

NIPH-K data show that, as of August 5, 2026, infections had been reported in several countries in the European Region. Italy recorded 139 cases, Greece 61, Spain 17, North Macedonia 13, Romania six, France four and Germany one case.

West Nile virus is considered a seasonal disease that occurs mostly during the summer months. It is spread mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

According to the institute, ordinary contact between people does not transmit the virus from one person to another, as the main route of infection remains the bite of an infected mosquito.

Approximately 80 percent of infected people have no symptoms. In around 20 percent of cases, fever, headache and muscle pain, fatigue or a skin rash may occur. Severe forms, which affect the nervous system, develop in fewer than one percent of cases and occur mainly among older people or those with underlying conditions.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the NIPH-K has urged citizens to follow preventive measures.

The institute’s recommendations include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, especially in the evening, and installing protective screens on doors and windows. Citizens are also urged to remove standing water from yards, flowerpots and containers that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

People are also advised to avoid staying outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Swimming pools, fountains and areas where water may collect should be maintained and kept clean.

Those traveling to countries where the virus is present should protect themselves from mosquito bites. If symptoms appear during the trip or after returning, they are advised to seek medical help.

The institute announced that it is continuously monitoring the situation and stressed that “there is no reason to panic.” According to the NIPH-K, following simple protective measures remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection during the season when mosquitoes are active.