Following the confirmation of the first case of West Nile Fever in Albania, the Institute of Public Health has launched an epidemiological investigation in the Korça region. A team of IPH specialists from Tirana has arrived on the ground to conduct an entomological investigation and screening in the outbreak, with the aim of identifying the presence of the mosquito that transmits the West Nile virus and taking the necessary control measures.
The confirmed case belongs to a 72-year-old man from Korça, who is currently at the Korça Regional Hospital, where he is receiving appropriate medical treatment. The elderly man lives in the city of Korça and is suspected of being bitten by a mosquito while he was standing in a flowerbed, where he spent a significant part of the day. After experiencing health concerns, he was admitted to the hospital, while laboratory tests have confirmed infection with the West Nile virus. Meanwhile, specialists from the Institute of Public Health are conducting field investigations in different areas of the Korça district, to identify whether the mosquito that transmits the disease is present and to determine the necessary measures for its control.
As part of the investigation and taking preventive measures, specialized teams are also conducting screening in the outbreak. Intervention is also expected to disinfect and treat areas identified as potential for the presence of mosquitoes. West Nile fever is transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes. In most cases, the infection may be asymptomatic or manifest with fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, the virus can affect the nervous system and cause serious complications. Health authorities continue monitoring in the field, while the IHP investigation is expected to determine the extent of the spread of the carrier mosquito and the measures that will be taken to prevent other cases.
