Caserta – The fourth victim of West Nile virus in Campania: a 73-year-old man, resident of Maddaloni, in the province of Caserta. The elderly man, referred to by the initials AA, had been hospitalized in recent days at Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano Hospital in critical condition due to the neuroinvasive form of the infection.
His condition progressively worsened until his death, also due to previous pathologies that had made his clinical picture particularly fragile.
This is the eighth patient infected with the virus in the region to not recover from the illness, and the second fatal case recorded in Maddaloni, following the death of another 80-year-old man in the same hospital in recent weeks.
The alarm remains high in the Caserta area, considered an endemic area due to the presence of the mosquito-borne virus. Although distant from the coast, Maddaloni is crossed by the Carolino Aqueduct—or Vanvitelli Aqueduct—which carries water from the Taburno springs to the Royal Palace of Caserta, creating humid environments ideal for the proliferation of common mosquitoes, the main vectors of the virus.
The presence of wild and migratory birds, a natural reservoir of the virus, also contributes to making the area particularly exposed.
Health authorities reiterate the importance of prevention measures. Municipalities and local health authorities are currently intensifying targeted disinfestation efforts, while residents are advised to take precautions even in their private lives, such as using mosquito nets, repellent, and protective clothing in the evening.
West Nile virus , transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, can cause mild symptoms but also serious neurological complications, especially in vulnerable or immunocompromised individuals. Hence the call for prevention: because even far from coastal areas, the threat of the virus remains real.
It's very sad that there are more victims of West Nile virus in Campania, especially a 73-year-old man. Prevention measures are important, but there are still many mosquitoes around that can carry this virus. I hope the authorities do more to protect citizens from these diseases.