Fifth and sixth human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in 2025 in the province of Oristano.

The virus struck a tourist over seventy-five, originally from a village in the Campidano Oristanese area but resident on the peninsula. The woman had been admitted to the medical ward of the San Martino Hospital in Oristano two weeks ago with flu-like symptoms. Yesterday, upon her discharge, the results of the latest tests confirmed the presence of West Nile virus.

The woman, over seventy-five, has now returned home to her hometown and is in good health. Following the assessment, the Department of Hygiene and Prevention, headed by Dr. Maria Valentina Marras, immediately implemented all the necessary measures: an epidemiological investigation and the cordoning off of the home, where the woman is currently located, to allow for more thorough disinfection within a 200-meter radius of the house.

The sixth case is that of a man over ninety, currently hospitalized at San Martino Hospital in Oristano . He is also under the same containment measures in the area where he lives, in a village in Guilcer.

In recent weeks, three other people over 70 and one over 65 tested positive for the virus. The first from Oristano is still in intensive care at the city hospital, the second from Santa Giusta is in intensive care at San Gavino hospital, the third from Villaurbana is in intensive care at Santissima Trinità hospital in Cagliari, and the fourth from Oristano is in the medical ward of San Martino hospital in Oristano.

The precautions

There is no vaccine for West Nile fever, nor is there a specific treatment. Therefore, the Oristano Local Health Authority (ASL) reminds us in a statement, it is essential to protect yourself from bites and prevent mosquito reproduction by taking certain precautions. First, avoid standing water, where mosquito larvae breed:

• frequently empty flowerpot saucers, buckets, tires, barrels

• change the water in pet bowls frequently

• keep empty paddling pools upright when not in use

• treat manholes and rainwater drainage wells, drainage and stagnation areas with larvicidal products

• check that the gutters are clean and not blocked

• cover the cisterns and containers where rainwater is collected with airtight lids, sheets or mosquito nets.

To protect yourself from bites it is recommended:

• screen doors and windows with mosquito nets,

• use skin repellents to keep insects away,

• avoid staying in areas where there are artificial lakes and stagnant water, such as gardens and parks, especially at dusk and at night, when mosquitoes are most active;

• wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, in light colours, when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.

(Unioneonline)

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