NewKerala.com

Key Points

Italy has recorded its 10th death from West Nile virus this year after a 93-year-old woman passed away in Lazio. The virus has now spread to multiple regions in Italy and other European countries like Greece and Romania. Infections are primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, with rare cases via blood transfusions. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, severe cases can be fatal, especially among the elderly.

Key Points: Italy West Nile Virus Deaths Rise to 10 as Elderly Woman Dies

  • Italy reports 10 West Nile virus deaths this year
  • Cases surge in Latina province with 43 infections
  • Virus spreads to five European countries including Greece and Romania
  • Most infections occur via mosquito bites, not human contact
3 min read

Italy records 10th death due to West Nile virus

A 93-year-old woman becomes Italy’s 10th West Nile virus fatality as cases spread across Europe, with 57 new infections reported.

"The lethality rate of the neuro-invasive form of the virus is 20 per cent in 2025. — EuroNews"

Rome, August 3

A 93-year-old woman died in the Italian region of Lazio from the West Nile virus. This is the tenth death in the country. In Europe, infection cases were registered in five countries, EuroNews reported.

The death toll from the West Nile virus in Italy since the beginning of the year rose to ten after a 93-year-old woman died at the Spallanzani Institute in Rome.

It was the fourth case verified in the Lazio region. The patient, originally from Cisterna di Latina, had been admitted to San Paulo in Velletri before being transferred to Rome.

Three other deaths from the virus were reported last Wednesday. This includes a 76-year-old man from Salerona, a 73-year-old man from Maddaloni and an 86-year-old who was admitted to the Santa Maria Goretti hospital in Latina. He was among the first infected in the area and reportedly suffered with several previous diseases, as reported by EuroNews.

In its latest report on Thursday, the Italian National Institute of Health reported the following data.

It said 57 new human cases of West Nile virus were reported between July 24-30. Among the confirmed cased, eight deaths were reported. The lethality rate of the neuro-invasive form of the virus is 20 per cent in 2025 compared to 14 per cent in 2024 and 20 per cent in 2018.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control released the latest data on infections in Europe on Thursday which said that cases were registered in Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and France, as per EuroNews.

25 cases of locally acquired West Nile virus infection were reported for the first time in the 2025 transmission season in one region each in Bulgaria and France.

Compared to the previous week, Greece reported cases of West Nile virus infection in three new regions, Italy in seven new regions and Romania in one new region.

The highest number of cases (43) was reported in the province of Latina, Italy.

West Nile fever causes high fever and rashes. It is a globally widespread viral disease caused by the West Nile virus.

The main hosts of the virus are usually wild birds. Transmission to humans occurs mainly through mosquito bites. In rare cases, it can occur through transplants, transfusion or from mother to foetus, as per EuroNews.

It is not transmitted from person to person through physical contact. Other mammals such as horses and, to a lesser extent, dogs and cats, can also be infected.

The incubation period lasts from two to 14 days. Most infected people do not show any symptoms. About 20 per cent develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea and skin rashes, which usually disappear on their own within a few days.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The elderly are most vulnerable as usual. In India, we must pay special attention to our senior citizens during monsoon season when mosquito breeding peaks. Our joint family system can be an advantage here for caregiving.
A
Arjun K
While this is tragic, I wonder if the media is overreacting a bit? 10 deaths in a country of 60 million is statistically very small. We lose more people to road accidents in Mumbai alone every month.
S
Sarah B
The rising lethality rate from 14% to 20% is what worries me most. Climate change is making these diseases more dangerous. India should invest more in public health research to prepare for such emerging threats.
V
Vikram M
Our municipal corporations need to take note! Stagnant water is the biggest culprit for mosquito breeding. Instead of just fogging occasionally, we need systematic cleaning drives before monsoon every year.
K
Kavya N
The article mentions transmission through transplants and blood transfusion - this is scary! Our blood banks need to screen for such viruses properly. Jai Hind, we must protect our healthcare systems.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50