A case of the Usutu virus has been confirmed in the municipality of Monte San Giusto in the Marche region. Mayor Andrea Gentili has informed the public about the virus’s presence, detected through a mosquito surveillance program, mosquitoes being the primary carriers of the virus. The local government has quickly implemented preventive actions, including pest control and guidelines for the community to help reduce the mosquito population carrying the infection.
The Usutu virus (Usuv) is a member of the Japanese encephalitis complex of flaviviruses. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Culex pipiens, commonly known as the common mosquito. The majority of individuals infected with the Usutu virus remain asymptomatic. In some instances, mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and rash may manifest. In rare cases, however, the infection may progress to more severe forms with neurological complications. Given the absence of vaccines or specific treatments for Usutu virus infection, prevention is extremely important.
