West Nile Fever Cases in Macedonia Reach 43, First Infected Crow Found in Skopje
Health Minister Klekovski announced 34 at-risk zones in the Skopje region, 13 of them high-risk, as authorities weigh whether to expand preventive measures.
The number of confirmed West Nile fever cases in Macedonia has reached 43, Health Minister Saško Klekovski announced at a press conference, with newly registered cases including the first ones reported in the Centar and Čair municipalities.
According to the minister, 34 areas of elevated risk for the virus's spread have been identified in the Skopje region, 13 of which are categorized as high-risk — typically locations with stagnant water and high organic matter, ideal conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit the virus.
First Infected Crow Found in Skopje
Klekovski also reported that the first dead bird with confirmed West Nile fever has been found in Skopje — a crow, whose removal is being handled by the Food and Veterinary Agency. The presence of infected birds is an additional indicator that the virus is actively circulating in the capital's environment.
Not a New Virus, But an Unfavorable Season
The West Nile virus originates in Africa but is now widespread across Europe and North and South America. The minister emphasized that outbreaks don't follow a fixed, predictable pattern, pointing to examples from Albania and Italy where conditions vary season to season. In coordination with the Center for Public Health, authorities will decide whether to expand the information and preventive-action zone, given the new cases registered in additional Skopje municipalities.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · August 22, 2026