West Nile Fever in Korçë / Public Health Institute teams deployed to the field following the first confirmed case in Albania; disinfection of the affected areas is expected

Following the confirmation of the first case of West Nile fever in Albania, the Institute of Public Health (IPH) has launched an epidemiological investigation in the Korçë region.

A team of IPH specialists from Tirana has arrived in the field to conduct an entomological investigation and screening in the affected area, with the aim of identifying the presence of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus and taking the necessary control measures.

The confirmed case involves a 72-year-old man from Korçë, who is currently being treated at the Korçë Regional Hospital.

The elderly man lives in the city of Korçë and is suspected of having been bitten by a mosquito while spending time in a public garden, where he reportedly spent a significant part of his day. After developing health concerns, he sought medical attention, while laboratory tests confirmed infection with West Nile virus.

Meanwhile, specialists from the Institute of Public Health are conducting field investigations in various areas of the Korçë region to determine whether the disease-transmitting mosquito is present and to establish the necessary measures for its control.

As part of the investigation and preventive measures, specialized teams are also conducting screening in the affected area.

An intervention is also expected to disinfect and treat areas identified as potentially having mosquito populations.

West Nile fever is transmitted to humans mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes. In most cases, the infection may be asymptomatic or may cause fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the virus can affect the nervous system and cause serious complications.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation on the ground, while the IPH investigation is expected to determine the extent of the spread of the carrier mosquito and the measures to be taken to prevent further cases.

"KORÇA BOOM"