Kosovo records first death from West Nile virus, QKUK confirms

The University Clinical Center of Kosovo has confirmed that the country recorded its first fatality caused by West Nile virus on September 15, 2026.

The patient was identified by the initials Rr. I. and was born on May 2, 1960. He had been admitted to the Infectious Diseases Clinic on September 10 in extremely serious condition, with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis acuta.

According to QKUK data, the patient had received outpatient treatment during the five days before his hospitalization.

Immediately after he was admitted, the medical teams carried out all the necessary diagnostic tests and promptly began the appropriate treatment based on his clinical condition. The necessary consultations were also conducted.

The laboratory examinations included an RT-PCR test for West Nile virus, which came back positive.

QKUK reported that the patient’s health remained extremely fragile and that he required intensive care throughout his hospital stay.

“All necessary medical procedures and measures were taken during this period, and medication treatment continued in accordance with the clinical progression,” the institution announced.

Although the medical staff mobilized all available resources and provided comprehensive medical assistance, the patient died at 08:40 on September 15, 2026.