Another case of West Nile fever has been reported in the Oristano area, affecting a 75-year-old man from Santa Giusta who is now hospitalized at San Martino Hospital . The patient has underlying health conditions but is not in serious condition; his life is not in danger.
In recent days, the man had manifested neurological symptoms and, after tests, the presence of the West Nile virus in his system was confirmed.
The Department of Hygiene and Health Prevention immediately implemented all the measures required for the case: an epidemiological investigation and the delimitation of the man's residential area to allow for more thorough disinfestation within a 200-meter radius of his home.
The 72-year-old man from Oristano who contracted the virus in recent weeks is still in intensive care; his condition is stable .
Meanwhile, as the virus continues to circulate in the region, the Local Health Authority (ASL) and the Department of Hygiene and Prevention have intensified their public awareness campaign. New posters and brochures have been posted not only in hospitals but also by municipalities for distribution in residential areas and tourist destinations. They illustrate the disease's transmission mechanism and provide a series of useful tips for avoiding infection.
Dr. Maria Valentina Marras , director of the Department of Hygiene and Prevention, explains: "It is important for citizens, especially the elderly and frail, to protect themselves by adopting a series of precautions. First of all, it is necessary to avoid stagnant water, where mosquito larvae proliferate. For this reason, it is necessary to frequently empty flowerpot saucers, buckets, tires, and barrels; change the water in pet bowls frequently; keep children's pools empty or cover them when not in use ; treat manholes and rainwater drainage wells, drainage and stagnant areas with larvicides; check that gutters are clean and not obstructed; cover cisterns and containers where rainwater is collected with airtight lids, sheets, or mosquito nets. To protect yourself from bites, it's also recommended to screen doors and windows with mosquito nets, use skin repellents to repel insects, .
