A 93-year-old woman has died in Lazio after contracting the West Nile virus, bringing Italy’s death toll to ten this year. The woman, originally from Cisterna di Latina, was first admitted to San Paolo hospital in Velletri before being transferred to the Spallanzani Institute in Rome, where she later died. This marks the fourth confirmed case in the Lazio region.
The virus is spreading rapidly across the country. Last week, three other deaths were reported: a 76-year-old man from Salerona, a 73-year-old from Maddaloni, and an 86-year-old man hospitalised in Latina. The latter had underlying health conditions and was among the area’s first confirmed cases.
According to the Italian National Institute of Health, 57 new human cases were reported in the week from 24 to 30 July. Eight deaths were confirmed in that period. The lethality rate of the virus’s neuro-invasive form is currently 20%, up from 14% in 2024.
Virus Spreading Across Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control confirmed West Nile virus infections in five countries: Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and France.
Bulgaria and France reported their first local cases of the 2025 season in one region each. Italy reported new infections in seven regions, Greece in three, and Romania in one.
Italy remains the hardest-hit country. The highest number of cases — 43 — has been recorded in the province of Latina.
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile fever is a viral disease spread mainly through mosquito bites. Wild birds are the primary hosts, but the virus can also infect mammals such as horses, dogs, and cats.
Most human infections cause no symptoms. Around 20% of infected people experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash and nausea. Fewer than 1% develop severe complications including paralysis and coma.
There is no vaccine or specific cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and hospital care may be needed in serious cases.
Preventative Measures
Health authorities advise the public to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. These include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, installing mosquito nets, and removing standing water from outdoor containers.
With rising temperatures and mosquito activity, experts say prevention remains the most effective line of defence.
