Italy’s warming spreads West Nile
Summary
Rising temperatures and longer warm seasons are helping mosquitoes spread West Nile virus across more of Italy, with more than 650 infections reported so far this year. Health experts say warming weather is lengthening the transmission season and expanding the virus into areas once less affected.
Key Points
- Italy has reported more than 650 West Nile infections this year, accounting for roughly half of all cases in Europe.
- Health authorities say higher temperatures and longer warm seasons are helping mosquitoes reproduce and spread the virus for more months of the year.
- Experts say West Nile is now endemic in Italy and can remain active until as late as November in some seasons.
- The Netherlands and Belgium are also drawing lessons from Italy’s surveillance system as West Nile appears farther north.
