West Nile outbreak spreads north, putting Alpine regions on alert

Italy is seeing a spike in West Nile virus infections at the end of August, according to The Local Italy, which reported that the number of cases has risen sharply in recent weeks. The mosquito-borne disease, which can cause severe neurological illness in a small proportion of those infected, is a recurring seasonal concern in the country's northern regions.

The Local Italy's report outlined what the virus is and how residents and visitors can protect themselves, noting that the disease is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water and are most active at dusk and dawn. The report urged people to use repellent, wear long sleeves and eliminate standing water around homes.

The timing of the outbreak, in the final weeks of summer, coincides with the peak tourist season in the Alps, where visitors and locals alike are spending time outdoors. Health authorities across the north are monitoring the situation, though no specific measures have been announced in Trentino-Alto Adige.