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West Nile virus in Italy (Modena and Padua)

19 Jul 2022

Italian media quoting the national public health institute have reported 3 cases of West Nile fever in Italy since the beginning of July 2022. One case was reported in Modena (Emilia Romagna) and 2 cases in Padua (Veneto). One of the cases in Padua died of the disease.

West Nile fever is caused by West Nile virus (WNV) and occurs annually in Italy. The virus is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a flu-like illness and rarely, severe disease.

Advice for Travellers

WNV is rare in travellers. There is no vaccine against WNV.

When visiting areas experiencing an outbreak of WNV, you should:

  • practice mosquito bite avoidance measures both day and night
  • seek medical advice if you develop a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms with a high temperature (fever) following travel to a risk area

Note for blood donors: if you have recently travelled to an area with WNV transmission, you may need to be tested for WNV before donating blood.

For further information see the fitfortravel West Nile Fever page.