Found at Castel Volturno the first positive case of West Nile fever, a disease caused by the West Nile virus, transmitted by the bite of an insect vector, the common mosquito.
The disease also affects humans, often without any symptoms, but in many cases, with symptoms that vary from a simple fever to a serious one. meningitis. In Castel Volturno it was found on a horse riding deceased with neurological symptoms: the animal's organs and brain were sent to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno in Portici (Naples), to the laboratory of Exotic and Insect Vector-borne Diseases, and tested positive for the virus.
The results were later confirmed by the National Reference Center for the study and detection of exotic animal diseases in Teramo. Following confirmation of the positivity in the equine, the Campania Region Crisis Unit was immediately activated and all regional and national public health actors were alerted for subsequent procedures and to make the territory safe.
“We didn't have in Campania cases of this disease – explains the General Director of the IZS of Southern Italy, Antonio Limone – We have activated all the mechanisms for isolation and containment of the disease. Sampling operations are starting to ascertain any other positive cases on equines, poultry and mosquitoes present in the area and on the people involved in the outbreak and a disinfestation action for mosquitoes.
West Nile virus in Italy has already caused 28 deaths and 551 infections
In this way we will prevent the spread of this disease that in Italy has already caused 28 deaths and 551 infections. We are on alert, the activated epidemic surveillance network will tend to contain the outbreak in order to prevent its spread”.
Article published on 13 October 2022 - 21:02
