Fourth West Nile virus victim in Lazio: 93-year-old woman dies

A 93-year-old woman died at the Spallanzani Hospital in Rome from West Nile virus. The patient, originally from Cisterna di Latina, had been hospitalized at the San Paolo Hospital in Velletri, from where she was later transferred to the Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. This is the fourth confirmed West Nile virus death in Lazio.

The death of the 93-year-old woman at the Spallanzani hospital in Rome brings the total number of deaths in Italy due to West Nile virus to 10.

Also in Lazio, the bulletin for Friday, August 1, reported 12 new cases, nine of which had fever, while three had neurological symptoms. The new cases were detected in the province of Latina, specifically in Aprilia, Cisterna di Latina, Latina, Pontinia, Sezze, and Sonnino. The total number of confirmed cases in the region is 73. Nationally, the number of cases is now just over 100, compared to 89 in the latest bulletin from the Italian National Institute of Health, which reported data up to July 30.

According to ISS data, in 2024 there were 484 cases (266 neuroinvasive) with 36 deaths. In 2023, there were 394 reported cases (195 neuroinvasive) with 32 deaths. 2022 was the year with the highest number of cases since surveillance began, with 728 (330 neuroinvasive) and 51 deaths.

The infection is not transmitted from person to person but only through mosquito bites. For this reason, experts have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt all preventive measures, emphasizing that, for now, the situation is under control.

And on Tuesday, August 5th, Health Minister Orazio Schillaci will report on the spread of West Nile virus in Italy to the Senate Social Affairs Committee. The Democratic Party group had requested the minister's briefing a few days ago during the group leaders' conference at Palazzo Madama.