West Nile Virus Cases Continue to Rise in Oristano Province Following Fourth fatality
Oristano, Sardinia – Health officials in the province of Oristano are reporting a new confirmed case of West Nile virus, bringing the total number of symptomatic cases in 2025 to 39. This comes after a tragic fourth death linked to the virus, announced yesterday.
The latest confirmed case involves a man over the age of seventy from Oristano, who received treatment at the San Martino hospital emergency room and has since been discharged home with medication. Authorities have initiated an epidemiological investigation and are preparing to disinfect the area within a 200-meter radius of the patient’s residence.
The most recent fatality was a 77-year-old former railway worker from Paulilatino, who died at the Brotzu hospital in Cagliari, as reported by Unione Sarda.
Maria Valentina Marras, director of the Health and Prevention department of ASL 5 of Oristano, urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. “We once again invite the population to not underestimate the risks associated with mosquito bites and continue to protect yourself from this insect that transmits the West Nile virus, which is especially dangerous for frail and elderly people,” she stated.
Marras emphasized the importance of eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes by frequently emptying containers holding stagnant water, such as animal bowls and saucers. She also recommended wearing light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs, using repellent sprays, and installing mosquito nets on doors and windows to protect homes.
