West Nile virus reports fifth death in Campania, prompting growing public concern.

SThe number of deaths related to West Nile virus in Campania has risen to five. The latest victim is a 76-year-old man on dialysis and a resident of a healthcare facility in Grazzanise, in the Caserta area.

Originally from Salerno, the elderly man died in the past few hours from the neuroinvasive form of the virus. His clinical condition was already severely compromised by pre-existing conditions, as in previous cases.

His death follows by a few hours that of a 73-year-old Maddaloni, who was also hit hard by the infection.

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The situation is beginning to seriously concern the population, especially in the hardest-hit areas, including Caserta, the lower Benevento area, and the border with Naples. In particular, the Caserta Local Health Authority has raised its alert level in several areas, primarily Trentola Ducenta, where the 68-year-old man who died a few days ago at Moscati Hospital in Aversa lived.

The shadow of silent contagion

The epidemiology of the virus also worries experts: estimates suggest at least 10.000 cases of West Nile infection in Italy, most of them asymptomatic. But the virus, transmitted by common mosquitoes infected by wild birds, can become extremely dangerous in vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals, as demonstrated by the five victims from Campania, all of whom were already in poor health.

The deceased patients presented with common symptoms: high fever, encephalitis, and progressive neurological deterioration. Investigations suggest they contracted the virus within their homes through mosquito bites.

This data is causing the greatest alarm, as it shows that even those who remain at home can be exposed to the virus in environments that until recently were considered safe.

Prevention and Politics: Parliament Takes Action

Amid growing concern, the Democratic Party has officially requested a briefing from Health Minister Orazio Schillaci on the West Nile case. The request was made during the Senate group leaders' conference: the minister could address the Health Committee as early as next week.

Meanwhile, Campania's local health authorities are stepping up pest control and awareness-raising activities, while the population is demanding urgent responses and measures. There is growing demand for a clear and coordinated strategy at the regional and national levels, focusing on prevention, protection of the most vulnerable, and data transparency.

The spread of the virus, still without a specific identified outbreak, raises concerns that Campania could become one of the epidemic's epicenters in the coming months, especially if high temperatures and humidity continue to favor the proliferation of mosquitoes.

While we wait for official responses, the only defense remains individual prevention: repellents, mosquito nets, targeted disinfestations, and maximum caution, especially in the evening hours.