West Nile Virus Detected in Florence Area, Disinfestation Operations Begin

A case of West Nile virus infection has been confirmed in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli, just southeast of Florence, according to the local public health authorities.

The patient, an adult resident of the Grassina area, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital within the Azienda USL Toscana Centro healthcare network. Health officials said the person’s clinical condition is good.

The case was reported to the Public Hygiene and Nutrition Service for the Florence area, triggering the prevention measures required under national and regional plans for mosquito-borne diseases.

Disinfestation operations planned

Bagno a Ripoli municipality and public health authorities are organising mosquito control operations in areas considered particularly sensitive, including public parks, recreational areas and healthcare facilities.

According to Mayor Francesco Pignotti, the infected person lives in the area of Via Alessandro Manzoni in Grassina. Following notification from the local health authority, the municipality arranged immediate disinfestation work in streets surrounding the area and, as an additional precaution, in the public garden on Via Dante Alighieri.

The treatment began on the evening of 12 June, with the park temporarily closed until the following morning.

Authorities are also intensifying efforts to remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed and applying larvicide treatments in locations such as drainage pits and catch basins where water cannot be eliminated.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the common house mosquito (Culex pipiens). Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on certain species of wild birds, which act as the natural reservoir of the virus.

Health authorities stressed that the disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Most infections cause no symptoms. Around 20% of infected people develop mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases—less than 1% of infections—the virus can cause neurological complications, particularly among older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

The mosquitoes responsible for transmission are most active during the evening and night.

Advice for residents and visitors

Officials are urging residents to help reduce mosquito breeding sites on private property by emptying containers that collect water, regularly cleaning drains and gutters, and using larvicide products where appropriate.

People are also encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves during peak mosquito activity and installing screens on windows where possible.

Local authorities said the current situation is not considered alarming, but they stressed the importance of preventive measures during the summer months, when mosquito activity increases across Tuscany.

(Cover photo via Wikipedia)

❤️ Support Florence Daily News

If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.

We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.

Donate securely via Stripe below.