Italian Health Authorities Report Increased West Nile Virus Spread Due to Warming Climate
Italian health authorities are observing an expansion of West Nile virus (WNV) across wider areas and for longer periods each year, a phenomenon attributed to rising temperatures and extended warm seasons. More than 650 infections have been reported in Italy this year, accounting for approximately half of all cases in Europe. Antonino Bella, a senior researcher at Italy’s National Institute of Health (ISS), stated that higher temperatures linked to climate change facilitate mosquito reproduction and prolong the transmission season, thereby increasing the likelihood of infected mosquitoes spreading the virus to humans. WNV has been considered endemic in Italy since 2020, with cases surging annually during summer and early fall. While about 80% of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, others experience mild flu-like symptoms, and a small percentage, primarily older adults and those with underlying health conditions, develop severe neurological complications. Experts note that this year's case numbers are...
