2023-09-23 04:48:51
Cases of West Nile virus have been reported in various places in Italy, adding to the list of tropical diseases that have recently affected the country. In addition to an earthquake in the Tuscany region and a violent incident in Sirmione on Lake Garda, Italy is now grappling with the insidious West Nile fever.
According to news portals Südtirol News and heute.at, infections have been recorded in Sardinia and on the northern Adriatic coast around Venice. In Sardinia, a 51-year-old man with severe symptoms similar to meningitis is currently being treated at the San Martino Hospital in Oristano. Fortunately, his condition is said to be stable.
This is not the first time Sardinia has seen cases of West Nile virus. Another case was discovered in August, and there were infections reported on the island last year as well. The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected birds.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) states that most infections are clinically inconspicuous, with only 20 percent of those affected experiencing flu-like symptoms. Serious illness occurs in only about one percent of infected individuals, and they may suffer from meningitis. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available for West Nile virus.
Climate change is considered a contributing factor to the increase in native tropical diseases in southern and central Europe. In September 2020, the RKI reported that at least twelve people in Germany were infected with the West Nile virus within a short period of time. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also confirmed one death this year from West Nile virus in the Mediterranean region. In addition, several people have been infected in Greece, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Cyprus.
Further cases of West Nile fever have been documented by the ECDC in the northern Adriatic, particularly in popular beach destinations such as Santa Margherita, Bibione, and Lignano Sabbiadoro. These areas attract many holidaymakers from Austria and Germany. It is worth noting that the German Foreign Office recently updated travel advice for Italy due to an outbreak of dengue fever on Lake Garda, which is also considered a tropical disease.
As Italy continues to deal with various tropical diseases, it is crucial for authorities and health organizations to work together to prevent further spread and protect public health.]
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