Zagreb launches emergency mosquito control over West Nile virus cases

Zagreb is launching an emergency mosquito-control operation after West Nile virus was confirmed in several dead crows and seven people were infected.

Spraying will begin Tuesday in Savica, Središće, Zapruđe, Travno, Utrina and Sloboština, while the wider city center and Upper Town will also be treated. Four of the patients have been hospitalized.

"For now, we have seven reported cases. Four patients are experiencing symptoms, while three are asymptomatic. They are from Zagreb and central and eastern Croatia—all from the continental part of the country," said Dr. Dijana Mayer, an epidemiologist at the Croatian Public Health Bureau.

"Right now, we are treating two patients. One is doing better, while the other is still on a ventilator. This is not unusual for this time of year, but there is a sense that the virus is circulating more than usual. However, that is not reflected in the number of patients," said Dr. Marko Kutleša, head of intensive care at the Dr. Fran Mihaljević Infectious Diseases Clinic in Zagreb.

According to the latest available data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 877 locally acquired West Nile virus (WNV) infections had been reported in Europe as of August 26. Cases were reported in 15 European countries, with the highest numbers in Italy (428), Greece (222), Spain (79) and North Macedonia (49).

The Croatian Public Health Bureau advises citizens to reduce their exposure to mosquito bites as the best way to protect themselves against West Nile virus infection. Recommended measures include using insect repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions, wearing long-sleeved clothing, particularly during peak mosquito activity, and using protective screens on windows and doors or mosquito nets when sleeping in areas that are not protected from mosquitoes.

West Nile virus is not transmitted through normal contact with an infected person. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, making prevention of mosquito bites a key personal protection measure, the institute said.