New deaths in Italy and local alerts in Spain They mark the recent evolution of the West Nile virus: the transalpine country increases the number of those affected, while in Andalusia surveillance is reinforced after confirming the circulation of the pathogen in mosquitoes in Castilblanco de los Arroyos.
It is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes. of the Culex genus, with wild birds as the main reservoir. Prevention, based on reducing bites and eliminating breeding sites, remains the most effective tool.
Italy updates figures and strengthens surveillance
After the death of a 93 year old woman admitted to the Spallanzani Institute (Rome), Italy confirms an increase in activity: the Minister of Health reported 12 deaths and 145 infections so far this year, a development that is being continuously monitored by the authorities.
By territories, Lazio concentrates the greatest load with 93 cases, followed by Campania (24), Veneto (14), Emilia-Romagna (4), Piedmont (4), Lombardy (3), Sardinia (2) and Puglia (1). This distribution focuses on the center and south of the country, although circulation is already widespread.
Regarding clinical presentations, they have been reported 59 neuroinvasive forms, 75 febrile cases and 11 asymptomatic cases. The bulletin of the Higher Institute of Health updated on July 30 recorded 89 cases and 8 deaths, with a 20% lethality in neuroinvasive forms, a figure consistent with previous seasons. For context: 2018 and 2022 saw higher loads than the previous two years.
The authorities have activated strategic disinfections adjusted to the mosquito cycle and underline that Italy combines factors that favor circulation (migratory routes, climate and habitats). Most infected people are asymptomatic; 1 in 5 has a mild fever and only a minority develop serious illness.
The season started early, with the first autochthonous case reported on March 20 in the province of Novara (Piedmont) and a second on July 3 in Modena, signs of sporadic traffic outside the usual peak.
European panorama and geographical extension
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported activity in Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and France. In week 31 the following were recorded: first local infections of the season in Bulgaria and France.
Greece added three regions with cases, Italy expanded to seven and Romania to aThe Italian province of Latina stands out for its volume with 43 notifications, reflecting intense local circulation.
This scenario reinforces the need for coordinated surveillance and rapid responses between countries, especially in areas with high vector densities and migratory bird crossings.
Andalusia: alerts and vector control
The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has declared Castilblanco de los Arroyos area on alert (Seville) after confirming circulation of VNO in Culex perexiguus mosquitoes captured in a trap near the Las Colinas urbanization, which leads to a elevation of the risk level municipal and reinforced control measures.
The device will be maintained for four weeks without new detection of viruses in vectors, with immediate coordination between the Regional Government, the Provincial Council and the City Council. In view of the high abundance of mosquitoes In municipalities of the Lower Guadalquivir, the provincial technical committee has been convened to adjust actions in areas such as La Puebla del Río, Coria del Río, Los Palacios y Villafranca, Almensilla, Palomares del Río and Bollullos de la Mitación.
In the health field, surveillance human, animal and entomological is intensifying. As of today, there is no confirmed cases in humans In Andalusia, all 224 tests performed on suspected cases have been negative. The alert status also remains in place in Zurgena (Almería) after a trap was detected less than 1,5 km from the town center.
The regional network has 150 reference traps and detects significant densities in locations such as Los Palacios y Villafranca, La Puebla del Río, Coria del Río, Benacazón, Almensilla, Isla Mayor, Palomares del Río, and Bollullos de la Mitación. The level is high in La Luisiana and moderate in other municipalities such as Barbate and Huelva.
The Provincial Council of Seville has offered Expand adulticidal treatments in 15 municipalities through a €6 million plan, which includes surveillance, larval control, and actions up to 1,5 km from urban centers, in coordination with the rice sector. The objective is reduce adult mosquitoes in two weeks.
Municipalities such as Valencia de la Concepcion They have passed their first health inspection of the year, implementing actions such as cleaning drains, larval control, possible use of adulticides, and awareness campaigns to eliminate sources of stagnant water.
Public Health: Symptoms and Prevention
West Nile virus is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes with wild birds as a reservoir. It is not transmitted by human-to-human contact; rarely, it can be transmitted through transplants, transfusions, or from mother to fetus. It also affects equines and, less frequently, dogs and cats.
The incubation period is usually 2 to 14 daysMost infected people do not present symptoms; approximately 20% develop fever and mild malaise, and less than 1% may suffer severe forms (encephalitis or meningitis). The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory tests on serum or cerebrospinal fluid.
Does not exist no vaccine or specific treatment: Management is supportive according to symptoms and, in severe cases, may require hospitalization and intensive care.
If a mosquito bites you, avoid scratchingClean the area with mild soap and water and apply cold compresses (without direct contact). Monitor your progress over 7 to 14 days and ask if you experience fever, headache, weakness, rash, or other warning signs.
To reduce the risk, use repellents on skin and clothing, wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing outdoors, install mosquito nets, and eliminate stagnant water in flowerpots, water bowls, or containers. Keep drains and gutters with bleach, limits lights that attract insects and keeps pools full and treated.
Although the probability of serious cases is low, the infection can leave neurological sequelae in some patients (e.g. meningoencephalitis with seizures), especially in older people or those with chronic pathology.
The current scenario combines active transmission in Italy and European outbreaks with an Andalusia without confirmed human cases but under maximum surveillance: the administrations tighten vector control while the Citizenship gains prominence applying preventive measures on a daily basis.