West Nile Virus Claims Another Life in Campania, Italy’s Death Toll Reaches Eight
Naples, Italy – July 30, 2025
Italy is grappling with a growing public health concern as the West Nile virus (WNV) claims another victim in the Campania region, bringing the nationwide death toll to eight this year. The latest fatality, a 70-year-old resident of Naples with pre-existing health conditions, passed away late Tuesday at a hospital in the city, according to local health authorities. This marks the fourth death in Campania, a region that has emerged as a hotspot for the mosquito-borne virus alongside Lazio and Piedmont.
The West Nile virus, transmitted primarily through bites from infected Culex mosquitoes, has seen a worrying uptick in cases across Italy in 2025. As of July 29, health officials reported 44 confirmed cases nationwide, with Campania accounting for 23 of these, including 14 in the province of Caserta and eight in Naples. The virus has also been detected in Piedmont, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Lazio, with the province of Latina in Lazio reporting the majority of infections outside Campania.
The latest victim in Campania, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly admitted to the Ospedale del Mare in Naples with symptoms including high fever and neurological complications, consistent with the severe neuroinvasive form of the disease. Despite medical intervention, the patient succumbed to complications exacerbated by underlying health issues, a pattern observed in most fatal cases. Italian doctors emphasize that while the majority of WNV infections are asymptomatic or cause mild flu-like symptoms, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe outcomes, including meningitis or encephalitis.
Campania’s regional health authorities have intensified mosquito control measures, including aerial spraying and public awareness campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas like the Domitian coast and Vesuvian region, where outbreaks have been concentrated. “We are closely monitoring the situation and implementing all necessary measures to curb the spread,” said a spokesperson for the Campania Region’s health service. The region has also appointed a new director for human and veterinary health surveillance to centralize data collection and coordinate responses.
Nationwide, the death toll includes three fatalities in Lazio, one in Piedmont, and now four in Campania. The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) notes that the current epidemiological trend is consistent with previous years, though the geographical distribution of cases in 2025 is notably broader. Experts attribute the increased mosquito activity to warmer temperatures and higher rainfall, which create ideal breeding conditions for Culex mosquitoes, the primary vectors for WNV.
The public is urged to take precautions, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Blood donation restrictions have been implemented in 31 provinces to prevent potential transmission through transfusions, and hospitals are on alert for new cases, particularly those presenting with neurological symptoms.
As Italy battles this seasonal outbreak, health officials stress that while the situation is under control, vigilance remains critical. “This is not a cause for alarm, but we must stay proactive,” said Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca. With no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV, supportive care remains the primary approach for those infected.
The rising toll underscores the need for continued public health efforts to mitigate the spread of West Nile virus, particularly in vulnerable communities. As the summer progresses, authorities and residents alike are bracing for potential further cases in Italy’s affected regions.
Sources: Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Campania Regional Health Authorities, ANSA