Rising temperatures extend West Nile virus spread

Italian health authorities report rising temperatures and longer warm seasons help mosquitoes spread West Nile virus across wider areas and more months of the year.

“Higher temperatures linked to climate change help mosquitoes reproduce and extend the transmission season, increasing the chances that infected mosquitoes will spread the virus to people”

Italy reports over 650 West Nile cases this year

More than 650 infections have been reported in Italy so far this year, accounting for roughly half of all cases recorded in Europe.

West Nile virus in Italy since 2020

West Nile has been considered endemic in Italy since 2020, when cases started to surge, and is now reported every summer and early fall.

Most infected show no symptoms

About 80% of infected people develop no symptoms, while most others experience a mild flu-like illness.

Experts note warmer temperatures extend transmission season

Warmer temperatures favor mosquito reproduction and can mean the transmission season sometimes lasts as late as November.

Italy's monitoring system detects cases

Italy’s extensive monitoring network, which tracks mosquitoes, birds, blood donors and human infections, helps explain why the country detects so many cases.