ON
← Back to feed
A growing drama in North Macedonia due to a dangerous virus, five deaths have been recorded
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter8/23/2026

A growing drama in North Macedonia due to a dangerous virus, five deaths have been recorded

Five deaths linked to the West Nile virus have been recorded in North Macedonia, according to health authorities who reported the cases on Saturday. The Ministry of Health confirmed at least 43 infections, most occurring over the past three weeks. Dr. Fadil Cana, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic, stated that nearly everyone is hospitalized daily, with around 20 patients currently under care. The fifth fatality was a 73-year-old patient from Skopje with severe underlying conditions contributing to the poor outcome. Authorities declared an epidemic in several areas of Skopje and surrounding regions early August. Minister of Health Saso Klekovski urged residents to take precautions, including draining pools and reporting dead birds suspected of carrying the virus. Extensive spraying campaigns against mosquitoes have been conducted in Skopje and other areas, particularly around water channels. The virus was first detected in the country in 2011, with only 54 confirmed cases by late 2025. Twelve European countries reported cases this year, including Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. Most human cases,

Health authorities in North Macedonia have confirmed five deaths linked to the West Nile virus, marking a significant escalation in the outbreak, as extensive mosquito control operations continue nationwide. The Ministry of Health reported at least 43 cases of infection, with the majority emerging over the past three weeks. According to Fadil Cana, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic, nearly everyone is being hospitalized daily, with around 20 patients currently under treatment at the clinic. The fifth fatality was recorded on Saturday, involving a 73-year-old man from Skopje who suffered from severe clinical symptoms and multiple serious coexisting conditions that complicated his treatment and ultimately led to his death. Authorities declared an epidemic in several municipalities within the capital city of Skopje and surrounding areas at the beginning of August. Health Minister Saso Klekovski urged citizens to take precautionary measures, including draining swimming pools and reporting dead birds, which are suspected reservoirs of the virus. Mosquito eradication efforts have been intensified in Skopje and other regions, focusing particularly on irrigation channels and water surfaces. These measures aim to reduce the population of mosquitoes that transmit the virus. The West Nile virus was first detected in North Macedonia in 2011, with only 54 confirmed cases reported by the end of 2025. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported that twelve European countries have documented cases of the West Nile virus this year. These include Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. In Europe, human infections typically occur during the mosquito season, from late spring to autumn, with peak transmission between July and September. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no vaccine or specific medication available for the West Nile virus. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, while severe cases require hospital-based supportive therapy. The outbreak has prompted increased public health awareness and preventive actions across North Macedonia. Local governments have implemented comprehensive mosquito control programs, including aerial and ground spraying campaigns targeting areas with stagnant water and irrigation systems. Public health officials emphasize the importance of personal protective measures such as using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours. Health experts warn that the situation could worsen if effective containment strategies are not maintained. They highlight the need for continued surveillance and rapid response mechanisms to prevent further spread of the virus. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and update the public on developments through official communications and press briefings. Residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to minimize their risk of infection. Community engagement and education play crucial roles in managing the outbreak effectively. As the mosquito season progresses, health authorities anticipate ongoing challenges in controlling the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. Public health officials stress the importance of early detection and prompt medical intervention for individuals exhibiting symptoms of the West Nile virus. Continued collaboration between local communities, healthcare providers, and government agencies is essential to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and safeguard public health.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 6 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

7 reports

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 96Objective 938/22/2026
North Macedonia: The number of deaths from West Nile virus

Five deaths linked to the West Nile virus have been reported in North Macedonia, according to health authorities, as extensive mosquito control efforts continue. The Ministry of Health reported at least 43 cases of infection, most occurring in the past three weeks. Nearly everyone hospitalized has been admitted daily, with around 20 patients currently at the clinic. The fifth victim was a 73-year-old man from Skopje with severe clinical symptoms and multiple underlying conditions contributing to his poor prognosis. Authorities declared an epidemic in several municipalities in Skopje and surrounding areas at the beginning of August. Health Minister Saso Klekovski urged residents to take precautions, including draining pools and reporting dead birds suspected of carrying the virus. Extensive aerial and ground mosquito control operations have been conducted in Skopje and other areas, particularly around irrigation channels and water surfaces. The virus was first recorded in the country in 2011, with only 54 confirmed cases by the end of 2025. Twelve European countries, including Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a health crisis involving a viral outbreak and associated public health measures. It provides factual information about the number of cases, deaths, and government actions without apparent ideological framing or biased language.

Why factuality (96): The article accurately reports the 5 deaths, 43 cases, and the declaration of an epidemic. It includes direct quotes from officials and corroborates information with ECDC and WHO data, aligning with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (93): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without bias. It uses direct quotes and avoids subjective language, focusing on reporting rather than opinion.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentCenterFactual 96Objective 928/22/2026
Five dead from West Nile virus in Macedonia

Sjeverna Makedonija zabilježila je pet smrtnih slučajeva vezanih uz virus zapadnog Nila, objavili su zdravstveni organi. U zemlji je ukupno registrovirano najmanje 43 slučaja zaraze, većina od kojih se javila u zadnjoj trci. Ravnatelj Klinike za infektivne bolesti, Fadil Cana, naveo je da je peta žrtva 73-godišnjak iz Skoplja s teškim kliničkom slikom. Vlasti su deklarirale epidemiju u nekoliko općina Skoplja i okolnih područja, a ministar zdravstva Sašo Klekovski uputio je stanovnicima da poduzmu mjere opreza, uključujući isprašivanje bazena i prijavu mrtvih ptica. Opsežne akcije zaprašivanja protiv komaraca provedene su tijekom posljednjih tjedana, posebno oko vodnih površina. Virus je prvi put zabilježen u zemlji 2011., a do kraja 2025. potvrđeno je 54 slučaja. Prema ECDC-u, dvanaest europskih zemalja prijavilo je slučajeve ove godine. SZO napominje da ne postoji cjepivo ni specifičan lijek protiv virusa, a liječenje se svodi na ublažavanje simptoma.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a health issue related to the West Nile virus, focusing on public health measures, epidemiological data, and expert statements. It does not take a clear ideological stance or frame the issue through a particular political lens. The tone remains neutral,

Why factuality (96): This article accurately reports the 5 deaths, 43 cases, and the declaration of an epidemic. It includes direct quotes from officials and corroborates information with ECDC and WHO data, matching the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (92): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without bias. It uses direct quotes and avoids subjective language, focusing on reporting rather than opinion.

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 928/22/2026
Peter died in North Macedonia from West Nile virus

North Macedonia has reported five deaths linked to the West Nile virus, according to health authorities. At least 43 cases of infection have been recorded, most of which occurred in the past three weeks. The Ministry of Health declared an epidemic in several municipalities in the capital city of Skopje and surrounding areas at the beginning of August. Health Minister Saso Klekovski urged citizens to take precautions, including draining pools and reporting dead birds, which are suspected reservoirs of the virus. Extensive aerial and ground mosquito control operations have been conducted around irrigation channels and water surfaces. The virus was first detected in the country in 2011, with only 54 confirmed cases by the end of 2025. Twelve European countries, including North Macedonia, have reported cases this year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus, and care focuses on symptom relief and supportive therapy for severe cases.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a public health issue without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political entity or ideology. It presents factual information about the outbreak, measures taken by authorities, and medical responses.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the 5 deaths, 43 cases, and the declaration of an epidemic. It includes direct quotes from officials and corroborates information with ECDC and WHO data, aligning with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (92): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without bias. It uses direct quotes and avoids subjective language, focusing on reporting rather than opinion.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 918/22/2026
A growing drama in North Macedonia due to a dangerous virus, five deaths have been recorded

Five deaths linked to the West Nile virus have been recorded in North Macedonia, according to health authorities who reported the cases on Saturday. The Ministry of Health confirmed at least 43 infections, most occurring over the past three weeks. Dr. Fadil Cana, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic, stated that nearly everyone is hospitalized daily, with around 20 patients currently under care. The fifth fatality was a 73-year-old patient from Skopje with severe underlying conditions contributing to the poor outcome. Authorities declared an epidemic in several areas of Skopje and surrounding regions early August. Minister of Health Saso Klekovski urged residents to take precautions, including draining pools and reporting dead birds suspected of carrying the virus. Extensive spraying campaigns against mosquitoes have been conducted in Skopje and other areas, particularly around water channels. The virus was first detected in the country in 2011, with only 54 confirmed cases by late 2025. Twelve European countries reported cases this year, including Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. Most human cases,

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the West Nile virus outbreak in North Macedonia without overt ideological framing. It reports on government actions, health ministry data, and expert statements without apparent partisan emphasis. While the issue has political implications due to public

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the 5 deaths, 43 cases, and the declaration of an epidemic. It includes direct quotes from officials and corroborates information with ECDC and WHO data, aligning with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (91): The article is generally neutral, presenting facts without overt bias. It uses direct quotes and avoids emotional language, maintaining a journalistic tone throughout.

tportal logotportalIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 908/22/2026
A dangerous virus is spreading in the neighborhood: five dead, dozens infected, declared an epidemic

The article reports on an outbreak of West Nile virus in North Macedonia, with at least 43 confirmed cases and five deaths, including a 73-year-old patient from Skopje. The Ministry of Health has declared an epidemic in several municipalities around the capital. Dr. Fadil Cana, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic, noted that nearly everyone is hospitalized daily, with around 20 patients currently under care. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, including emptying swimming pools, and report dead birds suspected of being viral reservoirs. Extensive spraying campaigns against mosquitoes have been conducted in Skopje and surrounding areas. The virus was first detected in the country in 2011, with only 54 confirmed cases by late 2025. Twelve European countries reported cases this year, according to the ECDC. Transmission peaks between July and September, and there is no vaccine or specific treatment available, though symptomatic relief and supportive care are provided.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a public health crisis without overt ideological framing. It includes quotes from officials and medical professionals, balanced reporting on government actions, and references to international data without partisan emphasis. While the issue is highly政治化

Why factuality (95): The article provides specific details such as 43 cases, 5 deaths, the declaration of an epidemic in Skopje, and quotes from officials like Fadil Cana and Saso Klekovski. It also includes data from ECDC and WHO, aligning closely with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (90): The article presents facts neutrally, using direct quotes and official statements. The tone is informative and avoids overtly emotional language, though some urgency is implied through mentions of measures taken.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 888/22/2026
North Macedonia concerned about the spread of a dangerous virus: five deaths and dozens infected so far

Sjeverna Makedonija je zabrinuta zbog širenja virusa zapadnog Nila, s pet smrtnih slučajeva i najmanje 43 zaraženih slučajeva u zemlji. Zdravstveni vlasti su objavili podatke o razvoju epidemije, posebno u Skoplju i okolnim područjima. Ravnatelj Klinike za infektivne bolesti, Fadil Cana, naveo je da je peta žrtva bila 73-godišnji pacijent iz Skoplja s teškom kliničkom slikom. Vlada je proglašila epidemiju u nekim gradovima i uputila javnosti da poduzme mjere opreza, uključujući isprašivanje protiv komaraca. Prema Europskom centru za prevenciju i kontrolu bolesti, 12 europskih zemalja ove godine prijavilo je slučajeve virusa zapadnog Nila, što ukazuje na porast širenja. WHO ističe da trenutno nema cjepiva ili specifičnog lijeka protiv virusa, a liječenje se sastoji od ublažavanja simptoma.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the spread of the West Nile virus in North Macedonia without overtly favoring any political stance. It reports on health authorities' actions, epidemiological data, and international responses without taking sides or promoting ideological positions. The

Why factuality (94): The article correctly states there have been 5 deaths and at least 43 cases. It includes relevant details about the patient’s age and health conditions, and references actions taken by authorities. However, it cuts off mid-sentence, slightly reducing completeness.

Why objectivity (88): The tone is somewhat more urgent compared to others, but still remains largely objective. It does not show clear bias, though the phrase 'opasnog virusa' (dangerous virus) may introduce slight subjectivity.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 708/23/2026
West Nile virus spreads across Europe; experts warn against it

The article reports on the spread of the West Nile virus across southern Europe, highlighting concerns raised by health organizations like the World Health Organization. It notes that over 100 cases have been reported recently, with 13 deaths in Greece alone. Experts from the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek explain that the virus originates in Africa and spreads through birds, migrating into Europe during summer months. While there have been fewer mosquito bites this year due to drought conditions, experts warn that invasive species are increasing due to climate change, posing new risks. The article includes quotes from local residents and health professionals emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proper water management to prevent mosquito breeding.

Bias read (Center): The article presents balanced information from both expert sources and local residents, discussing scientific findings and community experiences without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on public health concerns and environmental factors rather than taking a partisan position.

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the spread of West Nile virus in southern Europe, citing statistics from Greece and the World Health Organization. It includes expert commentary from researchers at the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek and quotes local residents' experiences. While there is no p

Why objectivity (70): The article uses personal anecdotes from residents to illustrate the impact of the virus, which adds a human element but may introduce bias. It also emphasizes the effectiveness of mosquito control efforts in Croatia compared to neighboring countries, which suggests a slight positive bias toward Cro

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories