Skopje, 20 July 2026 (MIA) - An initial decrease in the number of newly examined patients has been recorded at the hospital and the Health Center in Gostivar, and the situation on the ground is being actively monitored, the Ministry of Health said in a press release on Monday afternoon.

"The Health Ministry is continuously monitoring the epidemiological situation in the Gostivar area. According to the latest data from public health institutions, we would like to inform that as of yesterday, there has been an initial drop in the number of newly examined patients presenting with gastroenterocolitis symptoms, meaning patients seeking medical help for the first time. Cumulatively, 1.554 patients have been recorded at the Gostivar General Hospital so far, and 1.392 at the Gostivar Health Center. The four individuals who were hospitalized have already been discharged for home treatment. To date, 140 formal reports have been submitted and are being processed by epidemiological teams from the Center for Public Health Tetovo and the Institute of Public Health, and 81 epidemiological surveys have been conducted," the Ministry said. 

Regarding the daily trend of newly examined patients, the Health Ministry said the data shows a total of 564 new patients were recorded on Sunday across both the hospital and the health center. This marks a decrease compared to the previous day, when 649 new patients were recorded, which was the single-day peak of the outbreak.

"The clinical presentation in most patients is mild, and all necessary epidemiological, laboratory, and preventative measures are actively being carried out," the Ministry added.

The Health Ministry appealed to citizens to follow official recommendations, maintain regular hand hygiene, and urged anyone experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or signs of dehydration to seek medical assistance.

Photo: Health Ministry