North Macedonia West Nile deaths rise to eight

North Macedonia has confirmed its eighth death from West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne infection that has been reported in several European countries this year.

The country has confirmed 58 cases and eight deaths. All of the fatalities were men aged between 62 and 83 who had underlying health conditions.

The EU health agency said earlier this month that 15 European countries had recorded more than 1,000 cases this year.

West Nile virus can cause flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to tremors, fever, coma, encephalitis, a potentially lethal swelling of brain tissue, or meningitis.

The disease spreads most widely in Europe from late spring to autumn, with transmission usually peaking between July and September. There is no commercially available vaccine or preventive treatment for the virus.