West Nile Fever: West Nile Virus Claims Another Life in the Heart of Lombardy, Highlighting the Importance of Preventive Measures Against Infected Mosquitoes
In the quiet setting of the city of Mantua, a dark shadow has spread with the news of the death of an 86-year-old man, resident in Acquanegra sul Chiese . The Carlo Poma hospital was the sad theater of his battle against the West Nile virus , which struck relentlessly in the previous days. The elderly man, a retired non-commissioned officer of the Air Force, will be remembered as the second victim of 2023 due to the deadly consequences of West Nile fever in our national territory. His death follows that of a 70-year-old man from Casteldidone (Cremona), who had lost his life for the same reason.
West Nile Fever, Second Victim in Mantua: Concerns Raised in Lombardy
Two new cases of West Nile fever have emerged in the Mantua area , leaving a disturbing trace of the spread of the virus. A 55-year-old man from Marcaria has already gone through his battle with the infection and has left the hospital. A young boy from Lazio, visiting relatives in the Cremona area, is fighting for his life at the Asola hospital.
According to data recently published by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, the number of individuals affected by West Nile virus has increased significantly in the last week . From a modest number of 6 cases, the count has risen to 25 , raising concerns about the growing impact of the disease in the region.
But how does this ruthless disease spread? West Nile fever is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The incubation period varies from 2 to 14 days, with the possibility of extending to 21 days in subjects with weakened immune systems. Many individuals, fortunately, can contract the infection without showing any symptoms. However, in the remaining 20% of cases, the symptoms can resemble the flu with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes . Only in rare cases, 0.1% to be exact, can the infection evolve into complications such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis. This is what happened, unfortunately, in the cases in Lombardy mentioned above.
There is no cure
As for treatment, there is currently no specific cure for West Nile fever. Treatment options are limited to supportive care in severe cases.
However, prevention is essential to mitigate the impact of the virus. There are simple but effective practices to reduce the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes. The use of repellents during outdoor activities is recommended, as is the installation of mosquito nets and the use of insecticides indoors.
In residential areas, it is crucial to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water . Clean drains and wells regularly, treat with larvicide products to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Also make sure that gutters are clean. Even in cemeteries, where fresh flowers can become nesting sites for mosquitoes, the use of larvicide products or the choice of dried or plastic flowers is recommended. Even for pet owners, changing the water in the bowls daily and keeping the containers clean can help reduce the risk.
