One Dead, Dozens Hospitalized In Serbian West Nile-Virus Outbreak

An outbreak of the West Nile virus in Serbia has killed an elderly woman and infected more than 20 others.

Olga Dulovic, deputy director of Serbia's clinic for infectious and tropical diseases, confirmed on September 4 that the woman had died in mid-August.

Dulovic said 23 others are now hospitalized with confirmed symptoms of the virus.

She said 20 more await test results but have symptoms that suggest possible West Nile infection.

First discovered in Uganda in 1937, the virus is carried by birds and spread to humans by mosquitoes.

There is no known cure for the disease, but 80 percent of infected people develop few or no symptoms.

Based on reporting by AFP and RFE/RL’s Balkan Service