Italy reports Dengue and West Nile virus cases

The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) reports 227 confirmed cases of Dengue between January 1 and August 30, 2026, including three autochthonous cases in Puglia and Tuscany. Most Dengue cases are linked to international travel. Additionally, 521 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed, resulting in 26 deaths, with a 9.4% lethality rate for autochthonous neuroinvasive forms.

In Tuscany, recent Dengue cases have prompted health authorities to initiate mosquito control and disinfection measures. In Florence, the medical association has advised the public to monitor symptoms but stated there is no cause for alarm, noting that the virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and not between humans. In Prato, extraordinary disinfection operations have been scheduled in the Soccorso area following a suspected case.

Health officials from Asl Toscana Centro and local municipalities are emphasizing the importance of community-wide prevention. Recommendations include eliminating standing water in containers like flowerpots and buckets to prevent mosquito breeding, using repellents, and wearing protective clothing to limit the spread of arboviruses.