Italy reports 754 confirmed West Nile virus cases and 57 deaths

11:42

By: Azzat Manal

Italy reports 754 confirmed West Nile virus cases and 57 deaths

Italy has recorded 754 confirmed cases of West Nile virus since the beginning of 2026, including 57 deaths, according to the country’s National Institute of Health. The latest figures, released on Thursday, October 8, show an increase from the 727 cases and 54 deaths reported the previous week.

Of the confirmed infections, 401 involved neurological complications, the most serious forms of the disease. Five of these cases were classified as imported, involving people who had travelled from the Maldives, France, Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands.

The remaining cases included 253 patients with fever, 94 infections identified in blood donors who had no symptoms, five cases involving other symptoms and one additional asymptomatic infection. The figures illustrate the range of outcomes associated with the virus, from infections detected through screening to potentially severe neurological illness.

Health authorities reported 57 deaths among confirmed cases, including one associated with an imported infection. The fatality rate among patients with neurological forms of the disease stood at 14.1%, down from 19.2% recorded in 2025, according to the institute. This measure applies to the neurological cases rather than to all people infected with the virus.

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Many infected people experience no symptoms, while others develop fever, headaches, fatigue or muscle pain. In a smaller proportion of cases, the infection can affect the nervous system and cause conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis, which may require hospital treatment.

The virus has now been detected in 85 provinces across all 20 Italian regions, indicating widespread geographical circulation. Over the same period in 2025, Italy had recorded 740 confirmed cases and 78 deaths. Although the current figures show fewer deaths than the previous year’s total for the comparable period, the number of cases remains a concern for public health authorities.

Monitoring mosquito activity, identifying infections promptly and informing the public about preventive measures are important parts of limiting transmission. Health guidance generally includes using mosquito repellent, wearing clothing that covers exposed skin and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions are at greater risk of severe illness.

The National Institute of Health also reported 346 confirmed cases of dengue fever in Italy. Of these, 68 were classified as locally acquired, while the remaining infections were linked to travel abroad. No dengue-related deaths had been recorded in the reported figures.

West Nile virus and dengue are both mosquito-borne infections, but they are caused by different viruses and may require different public health responses. Italy’s surveillance data will help authorities track the spread of both diseases and assess where prevention and monitoring efforts may be needed most.