West Nile: 32 confirmed cases, how the infection map is changing

Since the beginning of the year as of July 23, 32 cases of West Nile virus infection in humans have been confirmed in Italy. Twenty-one of the 32 cases were reported by the Lazio Region, all in the province of Latina, the epicenter of an initial outbreak. The National Institute of Health (ISS) has updated the growing number of infections, highlighting that of the 32 cases, 23 have manifested themselves as neuroinvasive (two in Piedmont, two in Veneto, one in Emilia-Romagna, 15 in Lazio, and three in Campania), one asymptomatic case identified in a blood donor (one in Veneto), and six cases of fever (two in Veneto, four in Lazio). Among the confirmed cases, two deaths have been reported (one in Piedmont and one in Lazio).

"Numerically," the ISS explains, "the epidemiological trend is currently in line with previous years, while the spatial distribution appears quite different." "All measures are in place," emphasizes Anna Teresa Palamara , director of the ISS's Infectious Diseases Department, "including those to protect transplants and transfusions. It should be remembered that 80% of West Nile virus cases are asymptomatic, while the risk of serious consequences is greater for the most vulnerable."

The disease is not transmitted from person to person. "The advice," Palamara continues, "is therefore to protect yourself as much as possible from contact with mosquitoes, which carry the virus, and to contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as a fever above 38°C, especially if accompanied by a rash. Doctors are advised to consider the possibility of West Nile infection in the presence of compatible symptoms and proceed with laboratory diagnosis."

In Lazio, with twelve new cases of West Nile virus confirmed, 20 people have contracted the virus, 21 including the deceased woman, all in Latina and its province. "We are in daily contact with the Local Health Authority," states Mayor Matilde Celentano , "and the administration is acting promptly based on the developments in the infection rate. I have convened a Conference of Mayors for Health to discuss 'Communications regarding the prevention of West Nile virus,' which will take place on Tuesday, July 29. This will be an opportunity to discuss matters with other mayors and coordinate local actions."

From Campania, the coordinator of the Regional Transplant Center, Pierino Di Silverio , appeals to avoid alarmism. "Understandably," he emphasizes, "we are receiving numerous requests for information from the families of patients who recently underwent transplants and from those waiting for an organ. It is necessary to clarify that West Nile virus will not compromise transplant activity in any way, nor will it put patients at risk." Di Silverio says that all necessary measures have been implemented to protect patients, and "we are in constant contact with the health authorities. It is right to remain vigilant, but it is crucial that there is no panic."