È West Nile virus alert in Campania. In the last few hours, the local health authority (ASL) confirmed the second death linked to the virus, which is actually the first in chronological order: a 73-year-old patient originally from Naples and resident in Pomigliano d'Arco died on July 25, but the news was only released yesterday.
The man had been urgently transferred to the Ospedale del Mare on July 20th for a digestive hemorrhage, an issue unrelated to the virus. Two days later, however, he developed fever and confusion: symptoms that, combined with the onset of kidney failure, prompted doctors to perform a spinal tap.
CSF analysis confirmed the diagnosis: neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection. The patient died at 4.20:25 a.m. on July XNUMX.
The second victim is a 80-year-old man from Maddaloni, in the province of Caserta, suffering from serious underlying conditions. He lived in the hamlet of Montedecoro, bordering Cervino. After being admitted to the Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano hospital in Caserta, his condition immediately appeared critical. The virus also proved fatal for him.
The outbreak between Caserta and Vesuvius
With two confirmed deaths and dozens of tests underway, concerns are growing over a localized outbreak in the Caserta area, particularly along the Domitian coast, and now also in some areas of the province of Naples. San Sebastiano al Vesuvio and Ercolano are the Vesuvian municipalities where two new cases have emerged in the last few hours, in addition to the death of the patient from Pomigliano.
In the Caserta area, the situation is under close monitoring: just yesterday, two more infections were confirmed, continuing the cluster identified in southern Lazio. Three patients from Caserta are currently hospitalized at the Cotugno Hospital in Naples: one has already been discharged, one is in Neurology, and one is in Intensive Care.
Three other patients are being treated at Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano hospitals, two of whom are in critical condition in intensive care, while the third has died.
A suspected case has been reported in Marcianise, pending confirmation. Another suspected case comes from Sessa Aurunca, where a patient has been placed under observation. Another case with compatible symptoms has been transferred to Cotugno Hospital, while another patient has been discharged after testing as asymptomatic.
Five patients are currently hospitalized in Aversa: two in Neurology, one in General Medicine, and two in Intensive Care. Two others have already been discharged. Finally, one case was identified through screening after a blood donation: the patient is paucisymptomatic and is being followed at home.
Data and estimates: 18 confirmed cases, thousands asymptomatic
According to regional monitoring, Campania currently has 18 confirmed cases and 2 suspected cases, in addition to 2 confirmed deaths. Epidemiologists' estimates indicate that there may be approximately 2.000 infected but asymptomatic people, given the silent nature of the virus in most cases.
Since there is no direct transmission between humans, the situation is considered "physiological" compared to what has already been recorded in previous years: 18 cases and 5 deaths in the Salerno area in 2023, 12 cases and 3 deaths in the Benevento area in 2024. Curiously, these two provinces are currently free of the virus.
Meanwhile, the Region has reorganized its health surveillance system: a new director has been appointed for the Human and Veterinary Health Service, which had been vacant. This unit collects epidemiological data and coordinates the monitoring network, which covers both humans and animals, particularly migratory birds and mosquitoes, the main vectors of the virus.
Nationally
As of July 23, there were 32 cases registered in Italy, with two deaths. Now the number of infections has exceeded 40, and the deaths have risen to 5, two of which in Campania and a third attributable to a resident of Lazio who had stayed on the Domitian coast.
The spread of West Nile virus follows a known seasonal pattern, but the current outbreak—with its epicenter between the Caserta and Vesuvius areas—requires maximum attention from health authorities and constant monitoring to limit new infections.
Article published by Gustavo Gentile on July 29, 2025, at 06:42 PM
An expert in diplomatic and international law, he has worked in the publishing and communications industries for over 30 years. He has served as a representative of local publishers in FIEG, as Director of Canale 10, and as General Manager of Centro Stampa srl. He has a keen understanding of the Caserta area.
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