The West Nile virus has taken its first fatal toll in the Lazio region. Filomena Di Giovangiulio, an 82-year-old woman from Nerola in the province of Rome, died in the San Giovanni di Dio hospital in Fondi after contracting the virus. She had been admitted on July 14 with symptoms such as fever and confusion.
This tragic incident reinforces concerns about the spread of the virus in the region. Currently, six other cases of infection have been confirmed in Lazio, all of which are limited to the province of Latina. Although they are not directly linked to each other, those affected have a common geographical origin in this province.
Two of the infected people, two men aged 63 and 72, are in a critical condition due to neurological symptoms and concomitant illnesses. Both patients are currently being treated at Santa Maria Goretti Hospital in Latina.
The threat posed by West Nile virus is not limited to humans. Horses are also at risk. In the province of Latina, a horse has already died as a result of a West Nile virus infection.
The Lazio region responds with increased prevention measures
In view of the current development, the Lazio region already took measures on July 17 to strengthen surveillance and control systems in order to ensure the correct treatment of suspicious cases. The recommendations of the local health authorities (ASL) include several key points:
Raising awareness: Doctors and vets in the region are receiving more training on how to recognize and deal with the virus. They receive clinical and laboratory support in the treatment of patients.
Targeted disinfection: Targeted disinfection measures against the larvae of the common mosquito (Culex pipiens) are carried out within a radius of 200 meters of places where the virus is suspected to spread. This is considered the main vector of the virus.
Public information: The population is informed about the importance of preventing mosquito bites. They are also encouraged to actively cooperate in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites.
It is expressly pointed out that transmission of West Nile virus from person to person is not possible. The virus is only spread by mosquito bites. Therefore, all current preventive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites are still strongly recommended.
