Five new cases of West Nile fever have been recorded since Friday, September 5th, in the province of Oristano. These are people over 70 years old, residing in the municipalities of Oristano, Allai, Cabras, Riola, and Santa Giusta. Three of them went to the San Martino Emergency Room with fever symptoms and, after receiving treatment, were discharged, while two are currently hospitalized.

As per standard practice, the Department of Prevention has initiated an epidemiological investigation and restricted the area where the infected individuals live to allow for disinfection within a 200-meter radius of their homes.

The new cases add to the 17 already detected in recent weeks, bringing the total number of West Nile virus infections confirmed in the province of Oristano in 2025 to 22.

"We remind you that 80% of those infected by the virus develop no symptoms, 20% develop a fever-like syndrome, and less than 1%, mostly frail and elderly subjects, experience more serious symptoms, such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis ," explains Maria Valentina Marras, director of the Health and Prevention Department of Oristano Local Health Authority (ASL 5). "We reiterate our call for attention to prevention and protection measures against mosquito bites, the insect that carries the virus."

As the Local Health Authority (ASL) states, "avoiding standing water, where mosquito larvae thrive, remains the first step in fighting the virus: therefore, it's important to frequently empty pet bowls, plant pots, containers, and children's pools. But it's also important to protect yourself with light-colored, covering clothing, especially at dusk and at night, when mosquitoes are most active, use repellent sprays, and protect your home with mosquito nets."

A meeting on the issue was held at the registered office of ASL 5 between Special Commissioner Federico Argiolas, Maria Valentina Marras, Director of the Health and Prevention Department of ASL 5 of Oristano, Giuseppe Sedda, Director of the Veterinary Service for Livestock Hygiene and Livestock Production, Battista Ghisu, Special Administrator of the Province, and Raffaele Melette, Director of the Environment Department of the same authority. Representatives of the ASL and Province agreed on the need to develop a joint action plan shared with all stakeholders involved in managing the problem: from the Region to the municipalities, from the Zooprophylactic Institute to the land reclamation consortia, including the Forestry Department, for mosquito prevention and control.

(Unioneonline)

© Riproduzione riservata