“West Nile” first case of the virus transmitted by mosquitoes in Veneto, but the situation is under control

“West Nile” first case of the virus transmitted by mosquitoes in Veneto, but the situation is under control.

The Prevention Directorate of the Veneto Region announces that the first human case of West Nile (WNF) for this season was confirmed on July 27, 2023, by the Padua laboratory, in a person resident in Veneto. Generally, when the first human case occurs in this period (end of July), a season of high circulation with many cases in humans is not expected: last year, in fact, the first case occurred already at the beginning of June.

For several years, the West Nile virus has been circulating every summer in the Veneto region and other regions of northern Italy. West Nile is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and does not spread from person to person. The infection is often asymptomatic: in one person in five there may be manifestations such as fever, headache, joint pain, skin rashes and, rarely (1 case in 150) severe conditions may occur, with the involvement of the nervous system (for example example meningitis and encephalitis).

The environmental and climatic situation of last summer 2022 had determined a very favorable context for the circulation of this virus and there were many cases of infection and unfortunately also deaths.

In recent weeks, as expected, the first positive cases of the virus have occurred in mosquitoes. The Veneto Region, in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprophylattico Sperimentale delle Venezie and with all the Prevention Departments of the ULSS are maintaining careful surveillance in the area, in order to allow timely interventions at the first signs of viral circulation.

Since the virus continues to circulate every summer in our region it is very important that everyone takes appropriate measures to prevent human infection and to avoid the spread and growth of mosquitoes

For many years, the Veneto Region has had a Regional Plan to fight the spread of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes which involves the collaboration of the Municipalities, the Prefectures, the Reclamation Consortia, the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Venice Region and the Local Health Authority.
Surveillance is based on monitoring infections in humans and animals (equines and birds) and on the search for this virus in mosquitoes that are captured with special traps distributed throughout the region. The aim of the surveillance is to check for the presence of viruses in mosquitoes that can be transmitted to humans.
Every year the Municipalities, in collaboration with the Local Health Authorities, implement specific programs to fight mosquitoes, especially with interventions to remove the larvae and maintain the areas at greatest risk of mosquito proliferation. The adherence of the Municipalities to the disinfestation plans is monitored by the Ulss Companies and the Municipalities that do not implement the envisaged measures are reported to the Prefects of the area of ​​competence.
For the current season, surveillance measures have been further strengthened, according to the indications provided by DGR 389 of 7 April 2023, in particular by carefully monitoring the effectiveness of mosquito control interventions in the area guaranteed by the Municipalities and carrying out timely inspections in the areas of possible viral circulation.

How to avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes:

● do not abandon objects and containers of any nature and size in which rain water can collect such as jars, bins, basins, watering cans, tires, etc.
● empty any commonly used containers containing water every day and, where possible, turn them upside down;
● hermetically cover (even through tight mesh nets) immovable water containers (bins, cisterns),
● periodically carry out larvicidal interventions in manholes, drains, ditches, with suitable products and with periodic repetitions of the treatments (every 3-4 weeks or earlier if specified in the product technical data sheet).

Avoid mosquito bites to avoid contracting the virus:
● outdoors, particularly at night, wear light-coloured, lightweight clothing that covers as much as possible (long sleeves and long trousers);
● use repellents to apply directly to the skin, repeating the treatment with appropriate frequency, following the instructions on the package. Repellent products must not be applied on mucous membranes (lips, mouth), eyes, abraded skin, while they can instead be used on clothes to increase their protective effect.
● application of narrow mesh mosquito nets to doors and windows, as well as the use of electro-emitting devices for liquid or plate insecticides.

For further information you can consult the regional website at the following link: https://www.regione.veneto.it/web/sanita/arbovirosi. Various information materials including the guide are available on this web page “Choice and correct use of skin repellents for mosquitoes”.