West Nile, victims rise in Campania and Lazio: now 8 in all
31 provinces are subject to blood donation restrictions. Increased vigilance, extraordinary disinfestations underway
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The death toll caused by the West Nile virus worsens: there are now eight in total. A 72-year-old man died of West Nile infection in the hospital of Caserta, where he was admitted. This is the fourth death in Campania and the eighth in Italy. The elderly man, from Maddaloni, in the Caserta area, had previous illnesses and a complex clinical picture. Another of the four Campania victims was also from Maddaloni.
Lazio provinces affected by contagions
'Of the 44 cases confirmed positive for the West Nile virus,' the note adds, '18 patients are currently hospitalised in ordinary wards for other illnesses; 3 have been discharged; 19 are being treated at home; 2 patients are in intensive care; 2 have died'.
"In the province of Latina, the municipalities of presumed exposure to West Nile are Aprilia, Cisterna di Latina, Fondi, Latina, Pontinia, Priverno, Sezze, Sabaudia. In the province of Rome, the municipalities of presumed exposure are Anzio and Nettuno,' continues the Lazio Region in its bulletin.
Two deaths in Campania
.According to data provided by the Region (Collective Prevention and Animal Health sector), in Campania to date there are 23 cases of West Nile between suspected and confirmed. Fourteen domiciled in the province of Caserta, of which two were probably exposed to infection in Lazio; eight domiciled in the province of Naples, of which one was probably exposed to infection in the province of Caserta; one domiciled in Basilicata, but probably exposed to infection in the province of Naples. Of these 23 patients, three died: one patient in Naples and two in the province of Caserta. The Campania Region, the regional health authorities and hospitals, and the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, are 'closely monitoring developments and implementing all necessary measures'.
Blood donation restrictions for 31 provinces
.There are 31 provinces subject to donation restrictions to combat the West Nile virus. The National Blood Centre has published the list on its website. NAT tests will have to be carried out or, alternatively, blood and blood component donors who have stayed even for one night during the 2025 season in the indicated places will be temporarily suspended for 28 days. These include Rome, Naples, Turin and Venice. For the United States and Canada, the measure is in force all year round.
