Fourth human case of West Nile virus in the province of Oristano in 2025. A 65-year-old man tested positive for West Nile virus and is currently hospitalized in the medical department of the city's San Martino hospital.

Following the investigation, the Department of Hygiene and Health Prevention initiated the required procedures: an epidemiological investigation and the delimitation of the man's residential area, with targeted disinfestation within a 200-meter radius of the home.

Three cases had been recorded in the province in recent months: the first from Oristano, still hospitalized in intensive care; the second from Santa Giusta, a patient in the intensive care unit of San Gavino; and the third from Villaurbana, hospitalized at the Santissima Trinità hospital in Cagliari. All patients were over seventy.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment against West Nile virus . Protection is primarily based on prevention and control of mosquito bites. Health authorities recommend avoiding standing water and taking precautions such as emptying saucers and barrels, changing water in pet bowls frequently, keeping gutters and drains clean, and covering cisterns and water containers.

To reduce the risk of bites, it is recommended to screen doors and windows with mosquito nets, use skin repellents, avoid areas with stagnant water, especially at dawn and dusk, and wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long trousers.

Information campaign

The Oristano Local Health Authority (ASL 5) has strengthened the information campaign launched in April , distributing posters and brochures to healthcare facilities, general practitioners, pharmacies, and municipal administrations. A new bilingual poster explains the transmission of the disease and provides practical advice for preventing infection. A dedicated section with updated materials is available on the official website: West Nile Fever – Prevention .

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)

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