Italy Confirms 10th Death from West Nile Virus Amid Rising Infections

A woman aged 93 from the Lazio region has died due to the West Nile virus, bringing the total number of related deaths in Italy to ten. According to EuroNews, the virus has now been detected in five countries across Europe. The woman died at Rome's Spallanzani Institute. She had previously been treated at San Paolo Hospital in Velletri before being transferred. She was from Cisterna di Latina and is the fourth person from Lazio confirmed to have died due to the virus. Earlier, three other individuals also passed away from the virus on Wednesday—a 76-year-old man in Salerona, a 73-year-old in Maddaloni, and an 86-year-old man from Latina receiving care at Santa Maria Goretti Hospital. Reports indicate he had multiple pre-existing health problems.

Sharp Rise in New Cases and Fatalities

The National Institute of Health in Italy issued an update on Thursday confirming that, between July 24 and July 30, a total of 57 people were diagnosed with the virus. Of those, eight died. The fatality rate of the neuro-invasive form of the virus has reached 20% in 2025—similar to 2018, but notably higher than 2024’s 14%. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also released its latest findings, stating that West Nile virus cases have now been reported in Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and France. The disease continues to spread across the continent.

New Infections Found Across European Regions

Bulgaria and France have each logged 25 locally transmitted infections for the first time during the 2025 season. Greece has seen infections appear in three new areas, Italy in seven, and Romania in one. The province of Latina in Italy is experiencing the highest number of cases, with 43 individuals affected. West Nile virus is a disease that can cause high fever and skin rashes. It is found globally and is mainly spread to humans by mosquitoes. Birds are considered the natural carriers of the virus. In rare instances, it can be passed through organ donation, blood transfusion, or from a pregnant woman to her baby. It cannot be passed from one person to another through direct contact.

Symptoms and Incubation Period

Animals such as horses and, occasionally, dogs and cats can also contract the virus. The incubation period usually ranges from two to fourteen days. Most people infected show no signs. About 20% develop mild symptoms like fever, nausea, headache, or rashes. These typically go away on their own without any special treatment.