Two confirmed cases of West Nile virus have emerged near Rome, detected in the southern coastal areas of Anzio and Nettuno. This development brings Lazio’s total infections to 28, including seven new cases confirmed by the Spallanzani Institute—two with neurological symptoms and five with fever.
Most cases (26) cluster in Latina province, where one woman died last week at Fondi Hospital. Eleven patients are currently hospitalized in general wards, with two in intensive care.
As a precaution, the Lazio Region has mandated West Nile testing for all blood donors and extended containment protocols to the ASL Roma 6 health district, covering the Castelli Romani area and southern coastline. Regional President Francesco Rocca urged calm, stating: “We must avoid alarmism. This isn’t COVID; we need to coexist with the virus.” He added wryly, “This isn’t an invasion of ship-borne mosquitoes. Recognizing symptoms and prevention are critical,” emphasizing transmission occurs via common mosquitoes.
Heightened surveillance is underway in Avellino, though no local cases have been identified. Health authorities confirm the virus cannot spread person-to-person and advise repellents, protective clothing, window screens, air-conditioner maintenance, and eliminating stagnant water sources like plant saucers or untreated fountains.
Separately, Alessandria is deploying an innovative 27-kilometer protective barrier using natural insecticides around its urban perimeter—a pioneering national initiative against mosquitoes unrelated to West Nile.