Kantardzhiev warns: West Nile fever can lead to severe brain complications

Cases of West Nile fever are increasing across Europe, with the disease already detected in 35 regions in six countries. Eight infections were reported in North Macedonia during the past week, while additional cases have been identified in Greece and Romania.

Former director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Todor Kantardzhiev noted that some of the data has not yet been reflected in official European reports. "These are data from North Macedonia. They have not yet been updated in the summary of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Stockholm. In Greece, according to local media, there are also several deaths," he said.

According to him, the risk of severe complications exists but remains relatively low. "I said it two weeks ago. If 200 people are bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus, one of them develops a severe complication – brain involvement," Kantardzhiev explained.

He emphasized that older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable. "These are usually people with immune deficiencies and those over 60 years of age. The infection becomes quite severe when the central nervous system is affected," he added.

At the same time, most infected individuals do not realize they have been infected. "Eighty percent of those bitten do not understand they were infected but develop an immune response. They will not fall ill again, even if bitten again by mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus," he said.

He also pointed out that dozens of cases are recorded each year, often reported later in the season. "Every year there are several dozen unclear cases that are reported at the end of autumn," Kantardzhiev stated.