Second case of West Nile virus infection confirmed in Albania

Another case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Albania, bringing the number of people affected this year to two.

The news was confirmed to BalkanWeb by journalist Kristina Belba.

The second case was also identified in Korçë, the same county where the first infection of 2026 was recorded.

The first case was confirmed in August and involved a 72-year-old man from Korçë. After developing health problems, the elderly man went to the Korçë Regional Hospital, where tests confirmed the presence of West Nile virus.

Following the first case, the Institute of Public Health launched an epidemiological and entomological investigation in Korçë County, with specialists going into the field to verify the presence of mosquitoes that could transmit the virus. Samples were also collected from local residents for testing.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes. In most cases, the infection causes no symptoms, while people who do develop symptoms may experience fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, the infection can affect the nervous system and cause severe forms of the disease.