West Nile virus detected in Ceglie Messapica, Italy

Health authorities in Brindisi have activated a prevention plan following the detection of the West Nile virus in the Ceglie Messapica area. A local woman has been hospitalized at the Perrino Hospital in Brindisi with meningeal symptoms and fever; she is reported to be out of danger. There is also a suspected second positive case involving another resident, though neither individual has recently traveled to high-risk zones.

Stefano Termite, Director of the Prevention Department at ASL Brindisi, stated that officials are awaiting molecular exam results and data from mosquito traps installed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico in the area between Ceglie, San Vito Dei Normanni, and Ostuni to determine if these are autochthonous cases.

To mitigate the risk of transmission via Culex mosquitoes, local authorities have initiated extraordinary disinfestation cycles on public land. Residents are urged to take individual precautions, such as eliminating standing water in containers, installing window screens, and using insect repellents, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.