First case of West Nile fever confirmed in Serbia

(Patria) - The first case of West Nile fever in the human population has been confirmed in Serbia.

The affected person is male, 80 years old, from the territory of Belgrade, announced the Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut".

The Institute also adds that one case of West Nile fever has been registered in the territory of the Mačva District, with the probable place of infection being Greece.

In the EU and European Economic Area countries, seven cases of West Nile fever have been reported by July 17, namely in Greece (four), Italy (two), and Spain (one), the statement points out.

West Nile fever is a seasonal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The main vector, or carrier of the West Nile virus, is Culex pipiens, a species of mosquito that is also common in Serbia.

The transmission season for the West Nile virus in Serbia usually lasts from June to November.