Holiday Mishap in Cogoleto: Encounter with West Nile Virus in Alessandrino

In the picturesque town of Rapallo, Ligurian Levante, a suspected case of West Nile virus has emerged. This marks the first recorded case of the virus in Liguria during the summer of 2025.

The suspected case involves a Lombard tourist who presented with mild symptoms. It is believed that the infection could have occurred in Cogoleto, the first municipality of the Riviera di Ponente for those arriving at the sea from lower Piedmont.

The West Nile virus, an arbovirus with increasing cases in recent weeks, is known for its ability to present in more aggressive forms with neurological involvement in a reduced percentage of cases. However, it's important to note that no specific therapies or vaccines are currently available for the virus.

Prevention measures for West Nile virus include control of arboviruses and the use of repellents to prevent bites. In response to the suspected case in Rapallo, preventive disinfestations and adulticidal and anti-larval treatments have begun in Cogoleto to contain the spread of mosquitoes.

The mosquito species likely acting as the vector for the West Nile virus infection in the Piedmont tourist who stayed in Cogoleto is Culex pipiens. Unfortunately, the vector mosquito that could have transmitted the virus to the Alexandrian tourist, who spent two long vacation periods in Genoa, remains unspecified.

In past years and in different locations, positivities to West Nile have been found. The virus is usually associated with symptoms such as fever, joint and muscle pain, and headache. The Alexandrian tourist and the Piedmontese tourist, who was hospitalized due to an infection of West Nile virus, are unfortunate reminders of this.

While the diagnosis confirmation for the Rapallo case is still pending, it serves as a reminder for the public to take necessary precautions against mosquito bites. As the West Nile virus is one of the exotic diseases that have become more common in Italy due to the tropicalization of the Mediterranean climate, it's crucial to stay vigilant and informed.