Three New West Nile Virus Infections in North Macedonia, Epidemiological Investigations Underway

During today’s press conference, Health Minister Sasho Klekovski announced the detection of three new patients affected by vector-borne diseases. Two of them have been admitted to the Infectious Diseases Clinic, while one is in the Neurology ward, a case that has already received laboratory confirmation.

Klekovski specified that the necessary analyses are underway and that on-site epidemiological investigations have begun without delay for each of the reported cases.

Based on discussions with the Commission for Infectious Diseases, which is convening on this matter, the minister emphasized that some of the cases are not linked to travel to Greece. “In addition to those connected to the Greek state, we also have patients who have not left the country at all, and their location is in the Skopje Valley region,” he stated.

The minister noted that standard protocols have been implemented, including disinfection of a 200-meter perimeter around the affected individuals’ residences. This intervention was carried out by the Center for Public Health in Skopje, underscoring that this operation is their responsibility and not that of local authorities.

He further added that, based on recommendations and the geographic distribution of cases, the possibility of additional ground spraying will be considered. The Institute of Public Health and the Commission for Infectious Diseases are mapping the distribution of cases in order to take further preventive measures. According to him, the only patient still awaiting an epidemiological survey is the one from Veles, to clarify the origin of his infection.