Nile flu-case-disease – Albanian Telegraphic Agency.

Epidemiologist Vasili: West Nile Fever begins like mild flu, is not transmitted person to person

Sonila Mehmeti — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:38:05 +0000

TIRANA, Aug 25 /ATA/ Adela Vasili, an epidemiologist at Albania’s Institute of Public Health, said on Tuesday that West Nile fever is transmitted exclusively through mosquitoes and does not spread from person to person.

In comments to the media, Vasili explained the main symptoms of the disease following the detection of the first case in the city of Korçë.

Vasili stressed that there are currently no other confirmed or suspected cases of West Nile fever in Albania.

She explained that the disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, adding that “there is a disinfection programme in place to combat mosquitoes, helping to reduce the risk.”

However, the epidemiologist urged citizens to take precautions by eliminating stagnant water and ensuring that disinfection measures are carried out.

According to her, “coastal areas are considered to be at higher risk.”

“The disease is transmitted only by mosquitoes, not from person to person. The presence of West Nile fever cases in Greece does not pose a risk to the country,” she added.

Speaking about the case identified in Korçë, Vasili said the patient sought medical care and was hospitalized after their condition aggravated.

“Initially, the symptoms are similar to those of a mild flu. In more severe cases, the disease can affect people over the age of 60, those with weakened immune systems, or individuals who have undergone transplants or major medical procedures,” she said.

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