Elderly individuals succumb to West Nile virus at Sant'Andrea hospital in Vercelli

In recent days, two elderly individuals from the Italian regions of Vercelli and Alessandria have tragically lost their lives due to complications related to the West Nile virus. The patients, aged 88 and 90, were treated at Sant'Andrea Hospital, although the exact location of the hospital is not specified in the text.

Both patients had multiple pre-existing health issues, and their deaths were not directly attributed to the West Nile virus infection. The ASL (Local Health Authority) has urged against alarmism regarding West Nile infections, stating that the patients died "with West Nile, not due to the virus."

The first patient, aged 88, passed away between August 25th and 26th. The second patient, aged 90, died on August 29th. A third patient, also elderly, has contracted West Nile and is currently hospitalised at the University Hospital of Geneva (Universitätsspital Genf). Remarkably, this third patient is in good health and is expected to be discharged soon.

According to health officials, severe forms of West Nile infection are rare, with a prevalence of between 0.5% and 1%. In 80% of West Nile infections, the infection is asymptomatic, meaning that the infected individual shows no symptoms at all. In the remaining 20% of cases, mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches are displayed.

The ASL has emphasised the importance of maintaining a calm and measured response to the recent West Nile infections. They have encouraged the public to take basic precautions, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and potential West Nile infection.

As the investigation into the cause of the two deaths continues, the ASL stresses that the public should not be alarmed but rather informed and vigilant in taking preventative measures against the West Nile virus.