Transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, the Western Nile virus or “West Nile” has already caused 13 dead in Italy since the start of the summer. A first case has already been detected in France, reviving fears of propagation on the territory.
Less known than dengue or chikungunya, the Western Nile virus or “West Nile” spreads under the effect of heat waves. Present for a long time in Africa, this virus is now actively circulating in several countries in southern Europe. In Italy, the Ministry of Health specifies that the virus has been installed on the territory since 2008, but this year notes an unprecedented extension: out of the 15 regions affected, eight had never been affected before. 13 people are already died following the contamination of this virus in Italy, according to information obtained by Le Figaro. According to Sylvie Manguin, research director at the Institute of Research for Development, this situation is linked to the unpredictable migration of birds carrying the virus: “Birds carrying the West Nile virus can migrate from one region to another”, she explains to Le Figaro. Caution is therefore in order even if it has not yet spread.
Several cases already identified in France
In France, Public Health France confirmed three indigenous cases of “West Nile” identified in 2025. Last summer, 38 cases were identified, only in the south of the country, without death. Infection is asymptomatic in 80 % of cases. But it can cause fever, headache and muscle pain. In less than 1 % of cases, it leads to serious neurological complications (meningitis, encephalitis), sometimes fatal. These are the data shared by the government’s website.
Gestures to be applied to reduce the risk of contamination
In the absence of treatment or vaccine, prevention is essential to limit the risk of infection by the Western Nile virus. The health authorities recommend eliminating stagnant waters where mosquitoes lay their larvae, to use mosquito nets (ideally impregnated with insecticide), to wear clear and covering clothes and to apply repellents on the parts of the exposed body. It is also advisable to avoid outdoor activities at times when mosquitoes are the most active.
Posted on August 6 at 1:57 p.m., Alexandre Lecomte, 6medias