West Nile Virus: 43 Cases in Serbia, New District Hit
Serbia's Batut Institute reports 43 West Nile virus cases, 40 with neuroinvasive disease. The virus has now reached Pomoravlje District for the first time this season.
How many people in Serbia have caught West Nile virus so far this year? According to a fresh update from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut,” 43 cases had been recorded as of September 13, six more than a week earlier.
The institute released the figures on the morning of September 15. The surveillance season runs from June 1, 2026, and by September 13 it had logged 43 cases, 40 of them neuroinvasive, meaning the infection reached the nervous system. Of those infected, 28 are men and 15 are women, with an average age of 66.6.
Where are most cases concentrated?
Cases have now been confirmed in ten districts:
- City of Belgrade, 14 cases
- South Backa District, 9 cases
- Sumadija District, 5 cases
- South Banat District, 5 cases
- Central Banat District, 4 cases
- North Banat District, 2 cases
- West Backa District, 1 case
- Rasina District, 1 case
- Branicevo District, 1 case
- Pomoravlje District, 1 case
Pomoravlje District appears on the list for the first time, marking its first recorded case since Batut began tracking this season.
What has changed since last week?
A week earlier, in the update covering through September 6, Batut reported 37 cases, 34 of them neuroinvasive, with 24 men and 13 women, average age 66.7. At that point the virus had been confirmed in nine districts, led by Belgrade with 10 cases and South Banat District with four.
Over seven days, Belgrade’s case count jumped from 10 to 14, South Banat District rose from 4 to 5, and the virus reached Pomoravlje District, where no case had previously been recorded.
How does West Nile virus spread?
The virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, most commonly Culex pipiens, a species well established in Serbia. Transmission season in the country typically runs from June through November, meaning the risk will persist for several more weeks.
How can you protect yourself?
Batut recommends a handful of simple, proven steps that are easy to work into daily routines:
- apply insect repellent to exposed skin
- wear long sleeves and lighter colored clothing when heading outdoors
- avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
- fit window screens
- empty standing water weekly, including flower pot saucers and pet water bowls
- clear discarded tires from your yard, since mosquitoes breed in them most easily
If you notice signs of the neuroinvasive form of the disease, such as a severe headache, high fever, a stiff neck or confusion, see a doctor right away. The institute says it will keep the public updated on the epidemiological situation through its official website and the media.
