An 82-year-old woman from Nerola, north of Rome, died after contracting West Nile virus, officials said Sunday. She was hospitalized last week with a high fever and passed away over the weekend.
Six additional cases have been confirmed, with two patients critically ill. Authorities have activated a task force to contain the outbreak and limit the spread.
West Nile virus, carried by mosquitoes that acquire the infection from birds, is present across several parts of Europe. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, the virus can cause serious illness in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.