West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, transmitted mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which become carriers of the virus by biting infected birds and can transmit it to humans and other mammals through their bite.
Humans and horses are considered “blind hosts,” meaning that by becoming infected they do not contribute significantly to the further spread of the virus.
Spread of the Virus
West Nile Virus is present in many areas of the world, including Europe and Italy. In Italy, human cases of infection occur mainly in the summer and fall months, coinciding with increased mosquito activity.
The Lazio Region has shed light on this virus, President Rocca wrote on Instagram,“West Nile Virus, let’s have clarity. A situation we are paying close attention to, without alarmism.”
What are the symptoms:
- Most infected people do not show any symptoms.
- In symptomatic cases, mostly mild, nonspecific symptoms appear: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, enlarged lymph nodes, skin rashes.
- Severe symptoms (less than 1 percent of those infected) may involve the nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis) and occur mostly in more fragile individuals, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
If there are suspicious symptoms such as high fever, muscle or joint pain, headache, confusion, or rash, medical attention should be sought.
West Nile Virus poses a threat mainly during periods of increased mosquito presence, but through a series of hygiene-behavioral precautions and coordinated actions by health authorities, the risk of infection can be greatly reduced.
What the Lazio Region is doing
- Targeted disinfestations with municipalities in areas of suspected viral circulation.
- Information to citizens on the territory.
- Clinical visits and extraordinary surveillance on farms near suspected or confirmed outbreaks.
- Communication and awareness for doctors and veterinarians on West Nile Virus diagnosis.
Recommendations for citizens.
- Avoid water stagnation.
- Use topical skin repellents and insecticides for home and outdoor environments.
- Expose outdoors preferably with light-colored clothing, pants and long sleeves.
- Avoid unprotected exposure during the hours of highest risk, i.e. sunrise and sunset.
- Seek medical advice if fever over 38.5°, muscle or joint pain, headache, confusion or rash appears.