The Institute of Public Health (IPH) and the Center for Public Health have declared an epidemic of West Nile fever in several parts of Skopje. So far, 26 cases have been registered.
The epidemic has been declared in Kisela Voda, Gazi Baba and Butel, as well as in the suburban municipality of Ilinden. Of the registered cases, 25 are from Skopje and one is from Veles.
Most of those infected are men over the age of 60 who had mainly been engaged in agricultural and gardening work during the early evening and early morning hours.
A total of 29 patients have so far been registered at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje, five of whom are in serious condition and are receiving mechanical ventilation. During the weekend, an 83-year-old man with West Nile fever and other illnesses also died.
