Dangerous virus spreads across Serbia: 40 people in serious condition, latest data released

According to data submitted to the Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanović Batut,” a total of 43 cases of West Nile fever have been recorded in Serbia since the start of the surveillance season on June 1, 2026, through September 13. Of these, 40 cases involved the neuroinvasive form of the disease.

Among those infected, 28 are men and 15 are women. The average age of patients is 66.6 years, the “Batut” Institute said.

Cases have been recorded in ten districts:

• City of Belgrade — 14 cases
• South Bačka District — 9 cases
• Šumadija District — 5 cases
• Central Banat District — 4 cases
• South Banat District — 5 cases
• North Banat District — 2 cases
• West Bačka District — 1 case
• Rasina District — 1 case
• Braničevo District — 1 case
• Pomoravlje District — 1 case

 

Europe in the red

Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, through September 10, a total of 152 areas affected by West Nile virus have been identified in 13 European countries. Affected areas have been recorded in Italy (64), Greece (21), Romania (20), France (14), the Netherlands (10), Croatia (5), Spain (5), Hungary (4), North Macedonia (3), Germany (2), Austria (2), Albania (1) and Cyprus (1).

Across these 13 countries, a total of 1,247 locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported: Italy 590, Greece 319, Spain 104, North Macedonia 57, Romania 77, France 49, the Netherlands 19, Croatia 10, Cyprus 10, Austria 5, Hungary 4, Germany 2 and Albania 1.

West Nile virus infection is a seasonal disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The main vector, or carrier, of West Nile virus is Culex pipiens, a mosquito species that is also widespread in Serbia. The West Nile virus transmission season in Serbia usually lasts from June through November.

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To reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, the following personal protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended:

• Use insect repellents on exposed areas of the body when spending time outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers in light colors.
• Clothing should preferably be loose-fitting, as mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothes.
• Avoid spending time outdoors during periods of peak mosquito activity — at dusk and dawn.
• Use mosquito screens on windows and doors, as well as around beds.
• Reduce the number of mosquitoes indoors.
• Whenever possible, stay in air-conditioned spaces, as the number of insects is significantly lower in such conditions.
• Avoid areas with large numbers of insects, such as forests and wetlands.

 

The number of mosquitoes outdoors where people work, play or spend time can be reduced by eliminating sources of standing water. This reduces the number of places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

At least once a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water bowls, buckets, barrels and cans. Remove discarded tires and other objects that can collect water.

When traveling abroad, especially to tropical and subtropical regions, it is essential to follow all of the recommended preventive measures.

If any symptoms compatible with the neuroinvasive form of the disease appear, seek medical attention from your doctor immediately.