ZAGREB, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Croatia has confirmed 25 cases of West Nile virus infection this year, including one death, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) said on Thursday.
Of those infected, 19 developed symptoms, including two having West Nile fever and 17 with the more severe neuroinvasive form of the disease.
Zagreb and the surrounding areas accounted for 15 cases, making the region the hardest hit. Most West Nile virus infections in Croatia are recorded between mid-July and the end of October. The HZJZ said the transmission season is expected to end as temperatures drop.
Since the beginning of this year, Croatia has reported more West Nile virus cases than last year, when it recorded six cases, but still less than the highest annual total of 63 confirmed cases, reported in 2018.
Speaking to local media, the HZJZ said that the European Union has experienced its most intense West Nile virus season to date, with the virus spreading to more northerly areas. ■
