West nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes Near bologna, Public Health Measures Activated
bologna, Italy – Following recent confirmed cases of Dengue in Budrio and Chikungunya in Bentivoglio, the West Nile Virus (WNV) has now been detected in mosquitoes within the Bolognese territory. While no human cases have been reported, the Emilia-Romagna region has alerted neighboring municipalities in Bassa Romagna about the positive WNV findings in mosquito samples collected in the Medicina area. This finding triggers enhanced mosquito control and prevention efforts across the province of Ravenna and surrounding areas.
The West Nile Virus is endemic to the Padano basin regions, with wild birds serving as the primary reservoirs and mosquitoes as the vectors. Public health authorities are implementing coordinated interventions to mitigate the risk of transmission to humans and horses.
Municipalities within the Union of Lower Romagna, acting on the recommendations of the Ausl public health department, have issued special ordinances and are adhering to provincial guidelines.In Ravenna, as an example, organizers of outdoor events with 200 or more attendees scheduled for evening hours are now mandated to conduct remarkable preventive disinfestation treatments using adulticides.
For events held in already treated urban areas, public health officials will assess ecological conditions to determine the necessity of further disinfestation. All treatment operations must be carried out by specialized companies and reported at least 48 hours in advance, with specific notifications provided to beekeepers to ensure the protection of apiaries.
Residents are strongly advised to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites and to conduct larvicide treatments in their private properties, eliminating any standing water that could serve as breeding grounds. The public administration will continue its scheduled larvicide treatments in all public spaces, including gardens, squares, parks, streets, municipal buildings, ditches, and rural drainage systems.