First human case of Nile fever in 2023 in the Oristano area. A 72-year-old from Siamanna was hit , first hospitalized in San Martino di Oristano and then transferred to the infectious disease department in Sassari.
The situation is "under control" by Maria Valentina Marras , director of the Local Health Authority's Hygiene and Health Service. "The man's conditions - she explains - are mediocre, he is constantly monitored by the entire hospital department team".
The man was hospitalized with a high fever , immediately diagnosed with West Nile, later confirmed by laboratory tests carried out in the Aou of Cagliari. Then the transfer to Sassari.
In July, two crows shot down by a hunter in Solarussa and a group of mosquitoes caught in a trap in Torregrande had tested positive for Nile fever. Last year eight men were infected in the Oristano area, four died.
West Nile is transmitted from infected birds to humans or other animals through mosquito bites. In 80% of cases it is asymptomatic, in 20% it causes flu symptoms and in less than 1% it causes encephalitis or meningoencephalitis .
Dr. Marras reminded citizens of the precautions to be taken to avoid contagion of the virus: «It is important that the elderly and frail in particular protect themselves by adopting a series of precautions. Avoid stagnant water, where mosquito larvae proliferate . For this it is necessary to frequently empty saucers of flowers, buckets, tires, barrels; change the water in pet bowls often; keep paddling pools empty or cover them when not in use; treat manhole covers and rainwater drainage wells, drainage and stagnation areas with larvicidal products; check that the gutters are clean and not blocked; cover the cisterns and containers where rainwater is collected with airtight lids, sheets or mosquito nets. To defend yourself from bites , it is also recommended to screen doors and windows with mosquito nets, use skin repellents to keep insects away, avoid staying in areas where there are artificial lakes and stagnant water, such as gardens and parks, especially at dusk and at night, when the mosquitoes are most active.'
(Unioneonline/L)
