Two dead from West Nile virus in a week — IKSHPK calls for heightened vigilance

The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (IKSHPK) has announced the epidemiological situation of West Nile virus infection in Kosovo.

IKSHPK announced that during the period 7 August–18 September 2026, the IKSHPK Microbiology Laboratory confirmed seven cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Kosovo.

“Of these, five are men and two are women. Two cases belong to the 10–19 age group, while the other cases are up to 79 years old. Three cases are from Gjakova, while one case each was registered in Prishtina, Shtime, Ferizaj and Peja,” the announcement states.

IKSHPK further announced that all cases were hospitalised at the Infectious Disease Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK) in Prishtina: three with clinical signs of acute meningitis, three with signs of acute meningoencephalitis and one case with a febrile condition.

It is also reported that this week two deaths from WNV were reported in Kosovo.

“The preliminary analysis has not revealed an epidemiological link between the cases, so they have been classified as sporadic. Only one of the seven cases reported a history of travel abroad,” the announcement states.

Epidemiological situation in the region

Since the start of the 2026 transmission season and up to 10 September, according to the ECDC, 1,285 human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in 15 European countries, including several of Kosovo’s neighbours.

Measures taken

All Regional Public Health Centers have communicated with municipalities in their regions to raise vigilance and take concrete measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

An IKSHPK team, in cooperation with the Gjakova Regional Public Health Center, has been deployed in the field in Gjakova, where three cases were reported, to assess and investigate the epidemiological situation. A similar visit was carried out by the Ferizaj Regional Public Health Center, while the other centers have planned meetings with municipalities for next week.

Other suspected samples are being analysed at IKSHPK laboratories, while activities to monitor and control the epidemiological situation continue.

IKSHPK calls on all municipalities, especially those where cases have been confirmed, to intensify disinsection against mosquitoes and eliminate their breeding sites. Measures should include spraying in areas with increased mosquito presence, removing waste and rehabilitating open sewers.

For personal protection, the use of mosquito repellents, wearing light-coloured clothing that covers most of the body, installing protective nets on windows and using protective devices outdoors are recommended.

Travellers visiting areas where mosquito-borne infections are reported are advised to monitor their health after returning for fever, headache, fatigue, skin rash or neurological signs.

If symptoms appear, medical assessment should be sought without delay and the health professional informed about travel history and possible exposure to mosquitoes.

Source: Telegrafi