Italian Health Authorities Report West Nile Virus Spread Due to Warming Climate
Italian health authorities are observing an expansion of West Nile virus 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, representing approximately half of all cases recorded in Europe. Antonino Bella, a 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. West Nile virus has been considered endemic in Italy since 2020, with cases now reported annually during summer and early fall. While about 80% of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, others experience mild flu-like symptoms. Severe neurological complications are rare and primarily affect older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions. The European Center for Disease Prevention and...
