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Italy reports surge in West Nile and Dengue virus infections
Italy is experiencing a significant rise in mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Usutu viruses. According to the National Institute of Health (ISS), there have been 657 confirmed West Nile cases between January 1 and September 15, 2026, resulting in 51 deaths. Approximately 80% of West Nile infections are asymptomatic, but a minority of patients, particularly the elderly, develop severe neurological complications.
Health authorities report 294 confirmed Dengue cases, with 37 identified as local transmissions in the provinces of Livorno, Lecce, and Milan. Additionally, 28 cases of Chikungunya and 3 cases of Zika virus have been recorded, mostly associated with international travel. The emergence of the Usutu virus has also been noted following the discovery of an infected seagull in Rapallo.
Experts, including researcher Antonino Bella, attribute the expansion of these viruses to climate change. Rising temperatures and longer warm seasons facilitate mosquito reproduction and can extend the transmission season as late as November. This trend is prompting increased surveillance and emergency disinfestation measures in various regions, including Trieste and Campomarino, to control mosquito populations and prevent further spread.
Entities
Antonino Bella · Asugi · Belgium · Duval County · Florida Department of Health · Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Italy · Jacksonville Mosquito Control · Matteo Bassetti · National Institute of Health · Netherlands · New York City
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Netherlands has reported over two dozen West Nile cases and several deaths this year. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The 650+ cases in Italy account for approximately half of all West Nile cases recorded in Europe. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in Italy are asymptomatic. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Italy has recorded more than 650 West Nile virus infections this year. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Climate change-linked higher temperatures assist mosquito reproduction and extend the transmission season. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Rising temperatures and longer warm seasons are facilitating the spread of West Nile virus over larger areas and for more months in Italy. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The West Nile transmission season in Italy can extend as late as November due to warmer weather. baoquangninh.vn · www.ksfr.org · www.rozanaspokesman.com · srnnews.com · www.kpbs.org · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] There were 28 confirmed cases of Chikungunya and 3 cases of Zika virus reported. www.ilpuntonotizie.it · www.quotidianodelsud.it · laltravoce.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] There have been 51 deaths reported among the confirmed West Nile Virus cases. www.ilpuntonotizie.it · www.quotidianodelsud.it · laltravoce.com · www.dcomedieta.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] A total of 294 Dengue cases were confirmed, including 37 autochthonous cases. www.ilpuntonotizie.it · www.quotidianodelsud.it · laltravoce.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ISS reported 657 confirmed West Nile Virus cases in humans between January 1 and September 15, 2026. www.ilpuntonotizie.it · www.quotidianodelsud.it · laltravoce.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Disinfestation efforts using nebulized insecticide will be conducted in Trieste from September 20 to 22. emmepress.com