Woman from Magnonevolo hospitalized due to first recorded case of West Nile virus in Biellese region.
In the heart of Biella, Italy, a 72-year-old woman from Magnonevolo was recently hospitalized in Ponderano with symptoms related to West Nile infection. The hospital where she is receiving treatment is at the forefront of the region's efforts to combat the virus.
Since her arrival at the hospital, the woman's condition has shown slow but steady improvement. Unfortunately, she also has other oncological conditions, which may have complicated her recovery. Her daughter and niece, who live with her, have undergone checks due to the West Nile infection case, but the results are not yet available.
The West Nile virus (WNV) is carried by the Nilo mosquito and can cause high fever. To tackle this issue, Biella's WNV prevention strategy focuses on three key areas: systematic surveillance, vector control, and individual protection against mosquito bites.
Active surveillance of mosquitoes and wild birds is ongoing to detect early circulation of WNV. Preventive actions against transfusion-related transmission, including screening of blood donations, are also in place. The public is advised to use certified mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing to minimize exposure to mosquito bites, the main transmission route.
In response to recent cases, including the infected individual, a prevention directive was issued on August 8, 2025, emphasizing the activation of these measures in the province. The strategy also includes special caution for vulnerable groups with pre-existing health issues, who may be at greater risk of severe illness if infected.
The coordinated efforts aim to reduce infection risk and severe outcomes related to West Nile virus. The strategy integrates vector and viral circulation surveillance, blood donation screening protocols, public health advisories targeting mosquito bite prevention, and special caution for vulnerable groups with pre-existing health issues.
These measures are crucial in Biella, as the WNV can lead to severe neurological complications like meningitis or meningoencephalitis in about 0.1% of cases. As the fight against the virus continues, the community is encouraged to adhere to personal protective measures and avoid peak mosquito activity times, particularly dawn and dusk.
[1] Biella Health Authority. (2025). West Nile Virus Prevention and Response Plan. Retrieved from https://www.biellasante.it/docs/west-nile-virus-prevention-and-response-plan.pdf
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). West Nile Virus: Prevention and Control. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html
[3] Biella Provincial Government. (2025). West Nile Virus: Prevention Directive. Retrieved from https://www.biellaprovincia.it/docs/west-nile-virus-prevention-directive.pdf
[4] Italian Ministry of Health. (2025). Arbovirus Prevention and Response Plan. Retrieved from https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/salaStampa/documents/Arbovirus_Prevention_and_Response_Plan_2025.pdf
- Due to her ongoing medical-conditions, including chronic diseases, the woman's recovery from the West Nile infection might be more challenging.
- The health-and-wellness authorities in Biella emphasize special caution for those with pre-existing health issues when it comes to West Nile virus, as it can potentially lead to severe chronic diseases.
