West Nile Fever in Albania, IPH Epidemiologist: The Infected Person Is Suspected of Having Been Bitten by a Mosquito! Here Are the Areas at Highest Risk

Following confirmation of the first case of West Nile virus in Albania in 2026, Adela Vasili, an epidemiologist at the Institute of Public Health, provided details on how it is transmitted and on preventive measures.

The case was confirmed in Korçë County during August.

According to epidemiologist Vasili, the person is suspected of having been infected by a mosquito bite, while she emphasized that mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are also present in our country.

“It is thought that the case was acquired through the bite of a mosquito”, Vasili said, explaining that “the disease is transmitted through infected mosquitoes and not from one person to another, and this does not pose a risk.”

She said that the areas at highest risk are coastal areas: “The Institute has conducted a study of the areas where there is a risk; they are the coastal areas due to the presence of this mosquito.”

Symptoms and people at risk

Vasili said the symptoms are those of a mild flu, while emphasizing that people over 60 and those with health problems are at greater risk.

“The symptoms are those of a mild flu. People over 60, those with weakened immune systems, and those who have undergone transplants or major procedures are at risk. Therefore, not every person who may be bitten by a mosquito, and not every mosquito, can cause the virus,” the doctor said.