West Nile virus infection is spreading throughout Lazio, including the capital. According to the Spallanzani Institute report, two cases have been recorded in Rome within the large area of ASL 3. This brings the regional total to 13 recent infections, including eight in Latina and one in Viterbo. To restrict the virus's spread, which is mostly transmitted by mosquito bites from wild birds, the Region has implemented special protocols, sending instructions to municipalities and general practitioners. Prompt disinfestation is planned, with anti-larval treatments applied to manholes, sewers, and fountains within a 200-meter radius of suspected infection locations.
Since the beginning of 2026, 84 cases have been confirmed in Italy, including two deaths. Clinically, the illness presented as neuroinvasive in 37 cases and fever in another 27. In the report, 19 of the 20 asymptomatic cases were identified incidentally through blood donor screening, indicating that a significant number of infected individuals remain entirely asymptomatic. While the infection usually goes undiagnosed or causes moderate symptoms such as fever, nausea, and headache, consequences can be severe in the elderly or immunocompromised patients, necessitating community-wide preventative measures.