First West Nile Virus death recorded in Kosovo

The University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK) has announced that on September 15, 2026, the first death of a patient diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV) was recorded.

According to the Infectious Diseases Clinic’s announcement, patient Rr. I., born on May 2, 1960, was hospitalized on September 10 in serious clinical condition, with a diagnosis of acute meningoencephalitis.

Before hospitalization, the patient had been treated on an outpatient basis for five days. On the day of admission to the Infectious Diseases Clinic, the necessary diagnostic examinations were performed and treatment was initiated immediately, in line with his health condition.

As part of the laboratory examinations, the patient also underwent RT-PCR testing for West Nile Virus, which came back positive.

QKUK has announced that the patient’s health condition remained extremely serious, requiring intensive treatment.

“During this period, all necessary medical measures and procedures were undertaken, and drug treatment continued in line with the clinical condition,” the announcement states.

However, despite the efforts of the medical staff and the treatment provided, the patient died at 08:40 on September 15, 2026.

This is the first death of a patient diagnosed with West Nile Virus confirmed by QKUK through the announcement of the Infectious Diseases Clinic.

Source: Telegrafi