Health authorities in Trentino are investigating a possible case of West Nile virus, according to il Dolomiti. The local health unit, Apss, is conducting follow-up checks to trace how the infection may have spread.
In response, transfusion centers in the region have introduced molecular screening for the virus, the outlet reports. The move is meant to protect the blood supply while the investigation is ongoing.
The suspected case comes as Italy reports a significant West Nile season. Sky TG24 says the country has recorded 432 cases and 17 deaths since the start of the year. Regional data shows the virus is active across several areas: Corriere Roma reports 63 confirmed cases in Lazio, mostly in the province of Latina, while ANSA notes that Veneto has seen an increase in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile in 2026.
The Trentino provincial press office said surveillance and prevention efforts remain constant in the region. That statement, carried by the Ufficio Stampa della Provincia autonoma di Trento, suggests authorities are treating the suspected case as part of a broader monitoring effort rather than an isolated event.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Most infections cause no symptoms, but severe cases can lead to neurological disease. The introduction of molecular testing at blood centers is a standard precaution when local transmission is suspected.
What to watch next: confirmation of the suspected Trentino case and whether additional screening measures expand to other regions as the mosquito season continues.
