At least nine deaths in Italy from West Nile virus since January

According to official figures, there have been at least nine deaths in Italy as a result of the virus since the beginning of the year, most of them in the region around the Italian capital. In addition, more than 80 serious infections are currently known.

The virus was first detected in the country in 1998. According to the national health institute, there were 36 deaths last year.

Transmitted through mosquito bites

Several infections per year have been registered in Germany since 2019. It is generally assumed that the number of unreported cases is very high, as an infection is asymptomatic in around 80 percent of cases.

The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. More severe and fatal cases usually affect older people with pre-existing conditions. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), just under 20 percent have mild, non-specific symptoms such as fever or headaches. Only around one percent of infections lead to severe neuroinvasive diseases.

Virus originates from the African continent

The West Nile virus originally comes from Africa and was probably introduced via migratory birds. According to the RKI, mosquitoes infected by birds can transmit the virus to humans and other mammals. Experts assume that the number of cases will increase as a result of climate change.