West Nile Virus in Serbia: Cases Jump From 18 to 37
West Nile virus cases in Serbia have more than doubled in a week, from 18 to 37. The Batut Institute reports where the new cases are and how to stay protected.
How much can the picture of West Nile virus in Serbia change in a single week? The number of confirmed cases has more than doubled, from 18 to 37.
The Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut” recorded 37 cases of West Nile virus between June 1 and September 6, 2026. A week earlier, in the report covering the period through September 1, that number stood at 18. Of the 37 cases, 34 involve the neuroinvasive form of the disease, the one that affects the nervous system. In the previous report, 15 of the 18 patients had the neuroinvasive form, so the ratio has stayed roughly the same: nearly every recorded case is serious.
Where the new cases are
A week ago, the virus was present in seven districts. Now it is nine. According to the Batut report, the breakdown is:
- Belgrade, 10 cases
- South Backa District, 9
- Sumadija District, 5
- Central Banat District, 4
- South Banat District, 4
- North Banat District, 2
- West Backa District, 1
- Rasina District, 1
- Branicevo District, 1
Among the patients, 24 are men and 13 are women. The average age is 66.7, slightly higher than in the previous report, when it was 63.2.
Who spreads the virus and how long the season lasts
In its statement, the Institute names exactly which mosquito is responsible.
“The main vector, meaning the carrier of West Nile virus, is Culex pipiens, a mosquito species,” the Institute “Batut” states in its announcement.
That mosquito species is well established in Serbia, and the season in which it spreads the virus lasts longer than many would expect.
“The transmission season for West Nile virus in Serbia usually lasts from June to November,” the Institute’s statement reads.
In other words, the danger does not end when summer does. November is still part of the season.
What is happening across Europe
Data on the European picture vary depending on the source. Telegraf, citing figures through September 3, reports 1,067 locally acquired cases in 13 European countries across the European Union and European Economic Area, spread over 135 affected areas. Informer, citing the same report, refers to 11 countries of the European Union and European Economic Area. The number of countries cited therefore differs between the two outlets, while the case count itself is not in dispute.
By country, Italy has the most cases with 516, followed by Greece with 284, Spain with 88, Romania with 56 and North Macedonia with 55. France has 36 cases.
How to protect yourself
Along with the figures, Batut published concrete recommendations, simple enough to apply as early as tonight.
“Avoiding time outdoors during the period of most intense mosquito activity, at dusk and at dawn,” the Institute advises in its protective recommendations.
“Using repellents on exposed parts of the body when spending time outdoors,” the Institute adds.
It also recommends:
- long sleeved, light colored clothing that covers the arms and legs
- mosquito screens on windows, doors and around beds
- spending time in air conditioned spaces, where insect numbers are lower
- removing standing water around the house, since that is where mosquitoes breed
None of these measures is complicated or costly, and the difference they make is exactly what this report’s numbers show: in one week, the number of cases doubled.
