West Nile virus is once again causing fear and striking at the heart of the Italian healthcare system: 31 provinces have already implemented a partial ban on blood donations. From Milan to Lecce, Turin to Naples, via Ferrara, Rome, and Verona, the National Blood Center has officially announced the areas where restrictions are in place to combat the spread of the mosquito-borne virus.
Specifically, anyone who stayed even one night in the affected provinces during the 2025 season will be able to donate blood only after undergoing a NAT test for West Nile virus, or, alternatively, must wait a 28-day suspension. This is a precautionary, yet strict, measure aimed at protecting the safety of blood collected for transfusions and medical procedures.
The risk is real and monitoring is ongoing. The map of red zones, published on the official website of the National Blood Center, depicts an Italy split in two, where the viral threat requires drastic and timely measures. And with summer in full swing—and therefore also with the proliferation of mosquitoes —health surveillance cannot afford distractions.
Article published by Vincenzo Scarpa on July 29, 2025, at 16:05 PM
Vincenzo Scarpa, Journalist for Cronache della Campania and
Political Science student at the University of Naples Federico II.
Passionate about all types of sports, he loves to write and talk mainly about football.
Comments (2)
West Nile virus has raised concerns in many Italian provinces. However, it's important for people to be informed about the risks and precautions to follow when donating blood in these areas.
Even though there are restrictions, I believe it's essential to maintain transfusion safety. Mosquitoes are a serious problem, and we must be careful to avoid more serious problems.