Albania has reported its first confirmed case of West Nile virus, with the infection diagnosed in the Korçë region on Aug. 1, according to the country’s Institute of Public Health (ISHP).

The case has also been reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), placing Albania among European countries where West Nile virus infections have been detected this season. Italy has reported 311 cases, Greece 157 and neighboring North Macedonia 37, according to the data cited by Albanian health authorities.

The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most infected people may experience no symptoms or develop mild, flu-like illness. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, headache, muscle pain and vomiting. In more severe cases, the virus can affect the brain and cause encephalitis, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

“There is no reason for panic,” Adela Vasili, an epidemiologist at Albania’s Institute of Public Health, said, noting that the illness can initially resemble the flu but may progress to encephalitis.

Public health experts have launched an investigation across the Korçë region to determine whether mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present in the area.

“Mosquitoes become infected through birds or horses and can then transmit the virus through their bites. We have started the investigation there,” Vasili said.

Albania’s Institute of Public Health has carried out mosquito-control measures in coastal areas during the breeding season.