Minister Klekovski raises alarm: Tropical disease cases in Macedonia linked to travel abroad

Sasho Klekovski, Minister of Health, announced that several imported infections have been recorded in Macedonia this year, including four cases of malaria, three of dengue virus, one of Zika virus, and eight of West Nile fever.

Addressing citizens who plan to travel to high-risk destinations, the minister emphasized the importance of strict implementation of protective measures.

According to the data, after a two-year period without any reported cases, malaria reappeared with four infected individuals. All infections are directly linked to stays on the African continent and in the Indian Ocean region, specifically in the Maldives and Zanzibar.

Likewise, both the three dengue cases and the single Zika case are the result of travel to the Maldives.

Minister Klekovski drew attention to the severe nature of these diseases, explaining that dengue is a hemorrhagic fever, the Zika virus poses a particular risk to pregnant women, while malaria in its severe forms can be fatal.

He urged all those traveling to Africa and the Indian Ocean area, with particular emphasis on the Maldives and Zanzibar, to obtain advance information and follow World Health Organization guidelines on immunization and preventive medication. These services are provided at the Public Health Center in Skopje and other relevant health institutions.

Regarding West Nile fever, the minister reported eight cases. One of the infections was identified as linked to a trip to Greece, while the others are suspected to have been transmitted within the country’s territory. Most of the patients belong to the 60 to 70 age group.