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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ten deaths reported from West Nile virus in Italy since the start of the year
The death toll from the West Nile virus in Italy since the beginning of the year rose to ten after a 93-year-old woman died at the Spallanzani Institute in Rome. It was the fourth cased verified in the Lazio region. The patient, originally from Cisterna di Latina, had been admitted to San Paulo in Velletri before being transferred to Rome. Three other deaths from the virus were reported last Wednesday. This includes a 76-year-old man from Salerona, a 73-year-old man from Maddaloni and an 86-year-old who was admitted to the Santa Maria Goretti hospital in Latina. He was among the first infected in the area and reportedly suffered with several previous diseases. In its latest report on Thursday, the Italian National Institute of Health reported the following data. It said 57 new human cases of West Nile virus were reported between the 24th and 30th of July. Among the confirmed cased, eight deaths were reported. The lethality rate of the neuro-invasive form of the virus is 20% in 2025 compared to 14% in 2024 and 20% in 2018. Data on West Nile fever in Europe The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control released the latest data on infections in Europe on Thursday. Cases were registered in Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and France. 25 cases of locally acquired West Nile virus infection were reported for the first time in the 2025 transmission season in one region each in Bulgaria and France. Compared to the previous week, Greece reported cases of West Nile virus infection in three new regions, Italy in seven new regions and Romania in one new region. The highest number of cases (43) was reported in the province of Latina, Italy. What is West Nile fever and how to prevent it West Nile fever causes high fever and rashes. It is a globally widespread viral diseased caused by the West Nile virus. The main hosts of the virus are usually wild birds. Transmission to humans occurs mainly through mosquito bites. In rare cases, it can occur through transplants, transfusion or from mother to foetus. It is not transmitted from person to person through physical contact. Other mammals such as horses and, to a lesser extent, dogs and cats, can also be infected. The incubation period lasts from two to 14 days. Most infected people do not show any symptoms. About 20% develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea and skin rashes, which usually disappear on their own within a few days. In less than 1% of cases, symptoms can be severe. This includes high fever, disorientation, tremors and, in the most serious cases, paralysis and coma. Diagnosis is made by laboratory tests that look for antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile fever. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms, and in severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary. Prevention is the only effective strategy and is based on reducing exposure to mosquito bites. It is advised to use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, install mosquito nets and remove still water from containers to prevent mosquito breeding.
The Independent
31-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
US could issue travel warning over deadly mosquito-borne virus
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to issue a travel notice for China due to a significant rise in chikungunya infections. China has recorded nearly 5,000 cases of the mosquito-borne illness since early July, with almost 3,000 cases reported in Guangdong province in the last week alone. Globally, there have been 90 deaths and 240,000 cases across at least 16 countries this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of the chikungunya epidemic, estimating 5.6 billion people in 119 countries are at risk. Chikungunya, which causes fever and joint pain, is spread by infected mosquito bites and can be carried to unaffected areas by travellers, with no specific medicine available for treatment.
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
'Danger to life' warning as two deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes strike tourists in Europe
A health alert has been issued for tourists traveling to Europe this summer as two potentially fatal diseases have been detected. In Italy, health authorities have reported the first locally acquired cases of dengue and chikungunya, mosquito-borne viruses that are typically found in tropical regions such as South America and India. Both were considered primarily imported diseases, found in individuals who had contracted them abroad. However, the two new cases indicate that the viruses were caught within the country, according to the British Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever cases have seen a significant rise globally, reaching a record high in 2024 with over 14 million reported cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In June of this year, Australian holidaymakers were issued a warning after The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases, including two active cases, were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. In July, Italy reported the first locally acquired case of dengue for the year, specifically in the Emilia-Romagna region, while 82 imported cases of the virus were recorded in several regions. Italian health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of chikungunya for the year, again found in the Emilia-Romagna region. An additional 50 imported cases of the virus were recorded across a number of regions. Earlier this month, holidaymakers jetting off to France were warned they were at risk of contracting chikungunya after eight local cases were recorded. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Meanwhile, dengue fever can cause a range of effects, including mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. Holidaymakers are urged to contact a local health professional immediately if they suspect they have been bitten by a mosquito during their travels.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
'Danger to life' warning issued as two deadly diseases detected at popular holiday destination
A health alert has been issued for British tourists travelling to a popular European destination this summer as two potentially fatal diseases have been detected. In Italy, health authorities have reported the first locally acquired cases of both dengue and chikungunya, mosquito-borne viruses that are typically found in tropical regions like South America and India. Both were previously considered primarily imported diseases, found in individuals who had contracted them abroad. However, the two new cases indicate that the viruses were caught within the country, according to the Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever cases have seen a significant rise globally, reaching a record high in 2024 with over 14 million reported cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In June of this year, Australian holidaymakers were issued a warning after The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases, including two active cases, were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. In July, Italy reported the first locally acquired case of dengue for the year, specifically in the Emilia Romagna region, while 82 imported cases of the virus were recorded in several regions. Italian health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of Chikungunya for the year, again found in the Emilia-Romagna region. An additional 50 imported cases of the virus were recorded across a number of regions. Earlier this month, holidaymakers jetting off to France were warned they were at risk of contracting chikungunya after eight local cases were recorded. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Meanwhile, dengue fever can cause a range of effects, including mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. Holidaymakers are urged to contact a local health professional immediately if they suspect they have been bitten by a mosquito during their travels. It comes as Hawaii health officials are asking visitors to ensure they are vaccinated against whooping cough as cases reach an all-time high in the state. Earlier this week, the state's Department of Health reported 108 cases of the Victorian-era disease — dubbed the 100-day cough — a stark increase from last year's 84 total cases. According to data from the CDC, about 10,000 cases of the coughing malady and nearly a dozen deaths have already been reported across the country this year.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials issue warning after dangerous virus is detected in new location — here's what you need to know
Health officials issue warning after dangerous virus is detected in new location — here's what you need to know As our world warms and creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive, mosquito-borne illnesses are spreading along with them. State health officials in Michigan are recommending that residents take precautions against mosquito bites after detecting West Nile virus in the state this year, the Midland Daily News reported. What's happening? Because West Nile virus is potentially serious, officials monitor the human population, wildlife, and local mosquitoes for the infection. In 2024, 31 human cases were reported in Michigan. In 2025, Michigan officials first spotted West Nile virus in a dead crow found in Saginaw County in May. As of mid-June, they had also found the disease in a mosquito sample taken in Bay County. While no human cases have been reported yet this year, officials are concerned and are urging the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Why is the spread of West Nile virus important? West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquito bites that originated in Uganda, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Although not all cases are severe, serious infections can result in high fever, inflammation of the brain, coma, or even death. West Nile virus is just one of the many mosquito-borne illnesses that experts are concerned about as global temperatures rise. Changes in rainfall and the active seasons of these insects mean that their territories are expanding, and regions that previously did not have to worry about malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus are now becoming susceptible. Michigan's warming winters are a notable factor in the region's increasing mosquito problem. These diseases have caused countless deaths in the areas of the globe where they originate. Without precautions, they could do the same in new regions, including the U.S. What's being done about West Nile virus in Michigan? Michigan officials are implementing measures to reduce the population of both adult mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, the Midland Daily News reported. However, they can't completely eliminate these insects, so they have also warned the public to do their best to minimize bites. Empty any standing water around your home, even tiny puddles caught in old tires, rain gutters, and similar small containers. Wear insect repellent and long clothing. Make sure your window screens are in good repair. The fewer bug bites you receive, the less your risk of exposure — and the fewer bites occur in the community as a whole, the fewer infected people there will be to pass on the disease to more mosquitoes. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
