Italy faces one of the most intense seasons of West Nile viruses, even if the data of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità record a slowdown: 76 new contagions in the last week, against 102 of the previous one. Since the beginning of 2024, the confirmed cases are 351, of which 158 in neuro-invasive form, with 22 deaths.
In this context, Messina fits, where the first human case has been reported in recent days. The patient, hospitalized at the Papardo hospital, was taken over promptly and subjected to the planned protocols.
Measures in the area
The Asp of Messina has intensified environmental and veterinary monitoring. During the year 50 entomological samples were carried out in four strategic sites in the province, so far without a feedback of the virus. After the report, the animal health service started checks on the equine farms and the mayors of the 109 municipalities of the metropolitan city were invited to prepare disinfestation campaigns and environmental reclamation.