Italy has confirmed at least 179 cases of West Nile virus infection since the start of the year, resulting in 20 deaths. This update follows the latest report from the Higher Institute of Health (ISS) dated August 7th. The increase includes five previously unreported fatalities, plus two deaths in Lazio (Aprilia and Cori), one in Capua (Caserta), and one in Lombardy (Milan area).
The most recent victim is a 90-year-old man from Paderno Dugnano, who died at Bassini Hospital in Cinisello Balsamo while hospitalized for pre-existing conditions. An 85-year-old man died at Santa Maria Goretti Hospital in Cori (Latina), also admitted for other pathologies; this marks the ninth West Nile-related death in Lazio this year. Similarly, an 83-year-old resident of Capua died at San Sebastiano Hospital in Caserta while being treated for other illnesses.
A Health Ministry delegation is expected in Latina tomorrow. However, the Campania Region reportedly declined a similar meeting initially planned for Caserta.
At least six new cases have been reported since the ISS’s August 7th update: two in Catanzaro, and one each in Rome, Trento, Biella, and Oristano. These add to the 173 cases confirmed earlier, bringing the national total to at least 179. Disinfection campaigns continue in affected areas like Latina and Rapallo, while Liguria convened its regional technical committee for arbovirus prevention, surveillance, and response.
Despite rising cases in recent weeks, the ISS states the overall trend aligns with data since 2012. The case fatality rate for neuro-invasive forms stands at 15% this year. Historical ISS data shows: a 20% rate in 2018 (618 cases, 49 deaths), 14% as of July 31, 2024 (28 cases, 2 deaths – though cases rose to 484 with 36 deaths by November 2024), 8.1% in November 2023 (332 cases, 27 deaths), and 6.3% in November 2022 (588 cases, 37 deaths). The COVID-19 pandemic years saw lower figures: 55 cases and zero deaths in 2019, 68 cases and 5 deaths in 2020. No deaths occurred between 2012 and 2017, with cases peaking at 71 in 2016 and hitting a low of 28 in 2012.