West Nile Fever: A Growing Concern in Europe

With climate change and rising temperatures, diseases once only prevalent in tropical regions have begun to emerge in the West.
One such disease is the West Nile Virus, better known as West Nile Fever.
It is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes and is increasingly affecting more people.

The Situation in Europe

In Italy, the region of Emilia-Romagna has become endemic to the West Nile Virus.
The rainy spring with low temperatures has slowed down mosquito proliferation.
However, with the onset of warm weather, these insects have found an ideal environment to proliferate rapidly.
As a result, the number of people infected with West Nile Fever is on the rise, especially in the Modena area.
The issue is not limited to Italy, as Spain, a country with a similar climate, is also experiencing an increase in cases, particularly in the Seville area.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Alert

The surge in cases has prompted the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to issue a warning for tourists planning to visit these areas.
Travelers are advised to also be cautious when visiting tropical countries where the disease is present, as there is a risk of transporting infected mosquitoes back to Italy, potentially triggering an epidemic.

Risk Level 2 Alert in Bologna

In a mosquito colony in San Giovanni in Persiceto, the presence of the West Nile Virus was detected, leading the region to declare a Risk Level 2 alert.
This alert entails monitoring mosquito colonies to prevent human and equine infections.
The region recommends local authorities to continue implementing larval control measures and to carry out extraordinary preventive disinfection in case of outdoor events expected to draw at least 200 people in the evening.

About West Nile Fever

West Nile Fever is a disease caused by the West Nile Virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
It was first isolated in Uganda in 1937 and has been present in Italy since 2008.
The incubation period from the mosquito bite varies from 2 to 14 days, but can extend up to 21 days.
In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic.
Around 20% of those infected exhibit mild symptoms such as headache, nausea, fever, vomiting, skin rash, or eye pain.

In rare cases, the disease can progress to more severe conditions involving the nervous system.
In such instances, West Nile Fever can be fatal, with a mortality rate of around 17%.
Special attention should be given to the elderly and individuals with hypertension or diabetes, as they are at higher risk.

Prevention and Recommendations

The virus is not transmitted from person to person.
Currently, there are no vaccines available, although research is ongoing.
The best approach is to avoid mosquito exposure by using repellent sprays or installing mosquito nets on doors and windows at home.

For further information on the latest West Nile Fever cases in Italy, including the first reported fatality, and updates on the situation, you can read more here.