West Nile Virus Death Toll in Italy Reaches 20

Milan: The number of victims from the West Nile Virus outbreaks in Italy has risen to 20, following the recent deaths reported in various regions. An 83-year-old man in Caserta, an area around Naples, succumbed to the virus, marking the eighth fatality in that region. In addition, two men aged 80 and 85 died in Latina, increasing the toll to nine around Rome, while an 85-year-old man passed away near Milan, the first victim in the business hub’s vicinity.

According to Ansa News Agency, the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, has also resulted in two other deaths in the northern region near Turin and the southern region around Reggio. This has brought the cumulative death toll to 20 across the affected regions, which include Lazio, Campania, Piedmont, Calabria, and Lombardy.

All the deceased individuals were receiving treatment in intensive care units at hospitals and were reported to have pre-existing health conditions. Despite the fatalities, the health ministry has assured the public that the situation remains under control. They emphasized that while new areas in Italy have been impacted, the current infection and fatality statistics are consistent with data from recent years.