Rome [Italy], August 3 (ANI): A 93-year-old woman in Italy’s Lazio region has died from the West Nile virus, marking the country’s tenth fatality this year linked to the mosquito-borne illness. The death was reported by the Spallanzani Institute in Rome, EuroNews stated.
The woman, originally from Cisterna di Latina, was first admitted to San Paolo Hospital in Velletri before being transferred to the Spallanzani Institute. Her death represents the fourth confirmed case in Lazio. Three other recent deaths included a 76-year-old man from Salerona, a 73-year-old from Maddaloni, and an 86-year-old patient at Santa Maria Goretti Hospital in Latina. The latter, one of the first to be infected in the area, reportedly had several pre-existing medical conditions.
According to a report released Thursday by the Italian National Institute of Health, 57 new human cases were recorded between July 24 and July 30. Among these, eight deaths were confirmed. The lethality rate of the neuro-invasive form of the virus has climbed to 20 percent in 2025—compared to 14 percent in 2024 and matching the rate from 2018.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also released updated data Thursday, noting that West Nile virus infections have been reported in five European countries: Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and France. Twenty-five locally acquired cases were reported for the first time this season in Bulgaria and France.
Italy reported cases in seven new regions, while Greece and Romania confirmed cases in three and one new regions, respectively. The highest number of cases (43) was reported in Italy’s Latina province.
West Nile fever is a globally distributed viral illness caused by the West Nile virus. While wild birds are its primary hosts, humans become infected mainly through mosquito bites. Rare cases of transmission occur via organ transplants, blood transfusions, or from mother to fetus. It is not spread through direct human-to-human contact.
Other mammals, including horses and to a lesser extent dogs and cats, may also be infected. The incubation period ranges from two to 14 days. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but about 20 percent develop symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and skin rashes—typically resolving within a few days. Severe neuro-invasive cases, however, can be fatal. (ANI)
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