Second death from West Nile in Modena

A second death resulting from infection with the West Nile virus has been reported in the Italian province of Modena. The victim was a 67-year-old male with pre-existing chronic medical conditions. Since the beginning of 2024, a total of 30 cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease have been confirmed within the territory of Modena. The risk level has been elevated across the entirety of the Emilia-Romagna region, necessitating the implementation of exceptional monitoring and prevention initiatives. It is crucial to focus on locations where individuals are vulnerable, including social welfare facilities and hospitals. Consequently, the regional health authorities have mandated that pesticide treatments be conducted weekly in these establishments until the end of September. The adoption of measures by citizens to limit the spread of the virus is also required. Such measures should include the elimination of stagnant water in pots, the maintenance of gardens, the utilisation of mosquito nets, and the protection of the skin through the application of insect repellents.