Alarm in the province of Sassari after health authorities have detected cases of positivity to the Usutu virus and West Nile in mosquitoes and crows, with the Ats asking the population "to take appropriate measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes or others insects".

"The Department of Prevention North Zone ATS Sardinia through the Animal Health Service - reads a note - announces that in the territories of Alghero and Ozieri, cases of positivity to the West Nile virus have been found in some specimens of gray crows while in the Municipality of Oschiri, a case of positivity to the Usutu virus was detected in a pool of mosquitoes. Of the six positive cases detected by the Zooprophylactic Institute of Sardinia, three have already been confirmed as the National Reference Center of Teramo ”.

"Considering the evident viral circulation and in order to reduce the risk of transmission of Nile Fever - continues Ats - the population of Northern Sardinia and in particular those residing in the Municipalities of Alghero, Ozieri and Oschiri are asked to take all measures more suitable to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes or other insects.

Then the health authorities indicate a series of advice to follow, that is, use insect repellents following the instructions provided in the illustrative booklet; mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn: in these hours it is advisable to wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers; emptying stagnant water from flower pots, buckets, tires and barrels;
- often change the water in the bowls for animals so that it does not stagnate; when not in use, keep the children's pools empty or covered; regularly treat (every 15 days) the manholes and drainage wells for rainwater, the drainage and stagnation areas with larvicidal products available at pharmacies; check that the gutters are clean and unobstructed; cover the cisterns and all the containers where rainwater collects ”.

“We also inform - concludes Ats - that as far as horses are concerned, the only preventive measure of the disease is represented by vaccination, which is the responsibility of the owner of the animals. On the other hand, no limits are imposed as regards the movement of the same in endemic areas but it is advisable to implement vaccine prophylaxis programs before such movements, especially towards areas where viral circulation has recently been demonstrated ".