Alarm/ West Nile Fever reaches Korçë: 72-year-old suspected of being bitten by a mosquito, here are the symptoms he experienced

This is the first confirmed case this year in Albania of West Nile virus. The patient is a 72-year-old man from Korçë, who presented at the Korçë Regional Hospital around August 1 with symptoms similar to those of West Nile fever.

Following the initial suspicions, the patient was admitted to the infectious diseases ward, and the necessary isolation measures were taken. Samples from tests conducted at the Korçë Regional Hospital were sent for verification to health authorities and later to the Institute of Public Health, where the results came back positive for West Nile virus.

“It concerns a 72-year-old man who presented at the Korçë Regional Hospital around August 1 with symptoms similar to those of West Nile fever. He was immediately admitted to the infectious diseases ward. All necessary measures were taken for his isolation, although initially it was only a preliminary suspicion, followed by all the necessary tests,” the journalist said.

According to Saro, the patient’s family members and close contacts tested negative, indicating so far that this is an isolated case rather than a widespread outbreak of the virus.

The journalist reports that the patient remains isolated in the infectious diseases ward, while health authorities have taken measures to monitor the situation and prevent further spread. Meanwhile, a specialized team from the Institute of Public Health is expected to disinfect the area and investigate the location where the 72-year-old is suspected to have been bitten by a mosquito, in order to identify the possible presence of mosquitoes that transmit the virus.

Regarding his health condition, the journalist reports that the 72-year-old is in good and stable condition. The symptoms he experienced during the first days, including headache, muscle aches, fever, chills, and diarrhea, have now subsided.

“We can say that the patient’s condition is now good. He has recovered from all the initial symptoms, which included headaches, muscle pain, fever, chills, and diarrhea. His condition has improved. Although specialists and epidemiologists say that this age group, particularly older adults, is more vulnerable due to underlying health conditions or weakened immunity, fortunately, the 72-year-old is in good and stable condition while remaining in the infectious diseases ward to complete the required isolation period,” the journalist explained.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation in Korçë, while disinfection and mosquito-control measures are aimed at preventing additional cases.

“KORÇA BOOM”