The number of human cases of West Nile virus infection in the province of Oristano has risen to twelve .
Two people over seventy and one over fifty are currently under observation at San Martino Hospital in Oristano. The Prevention Department of Oristano's Local Health Authority (ASL 5) has initiated an epidemiological investigation and preventive measures, including disinfection of the areas where those who contracted the virus live.
The first case of West Nile virus dates back to last May and involved a person over sixty; the second, a person over ninety who, after contracting the virus and developing the disease, died. The third case, a person over sixty, was discharged from the Oristano hospital and returned home; the fourth, a person over eighty-five, is still hospitalized at San Martino Hospital; the fifth and sixth cases are a person in his fifties and a person in his seventies, both of whom have returned home; the seventh and eighth cases are two people over seventy who are still hospitalized at San Martino Hospital in Oristano; and the ninth, a person over fifty, has already returned home.
"We invite," explains Maria Valentina Marras, director of the Prevention Department, "once again citizens, especially the frail and elderly, to prevent any risky situations and to protect themselves from the bites of this insect with all the tools we remember: avoid stagnant water, protect yourself with repellent sprays and long clothing when outdoors, and screen your home with mosquito nets."
(Unioneonline)
