Italy Mosquito Disease Crisis – West Nile, Dengue & Chikungunya Threat

Italy is facing a growing mosquito-borne disease crisis. As of August 19, 2026, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) reported 312 confirmed West Nile virus cases and 13 deaths . The virus has spread to 60 provinces across 16 regions — from Piedmont and Lombardy in the north to Sicily and Sardinia in the south . At the same time, dengue and chikungunya outbreaks have been reported in Piombino (Tuscany), Reggio Emilia, and San Donato Milanese, with emergency mosquito control measures activated across multiple cities . The MBORMC H01 Invisible Retractable Screen offers Italian homeowners the protection they need — custom-fit screens that block disease-carrying mosquitoes, preserve views, and require no drilling.

Italy's Mosquito-Borne Disease Crisis — The Numbers

Italy is at the epicentre of Europe's mosquito-borne disease threat. According to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità's latest surveillance bulletin:

• 312 confirmed West Nile virus cases (up from 226 the previous week)
• 156 neuroinvasive cases — the most severe form, affecting the nervous system
• 115 cases of West Nile fever (milder symptoms)
• 40 asymptomatic infections identified in blood donors — meaning the virus is circulating undetected
• 13 deaths, including one imported case
• 60 provinces across 16 regions with confirmed virus circulation

The geographic expansion is striking: last year at the same time, the virus was present in only 52 provinces across 15 regions . This confirms that West Nile virus is now stably circulating throughout almost the entire national territory .

West Nile Virus — Italy's Endemic Threat

West Nile virus (WNV) is now endemic in Italy. The primary vector is the Culex mosquito species, which feeds on infected birds and then transmits the virus to humans .

The virus can cause severe neurological illness — including encephalitis and meningitis — which can be fatal, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised .

In 2026, Lombardy has been the hardest-hit region, with 84 confirmed cases and 6 in the province of Pavia . An 85-year-old retired mathematics professor from Sartirana died at the Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia after contracting the virus . Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco warned: "West Nile must absolutely not be underestimated. One fatal case out of a thousand can cause serious problems even in Italy" .

Dengue and Chikungunya — Italy's Emerging Threats

Italy's first autochthonous (locally acquired) dengue transmission occurred in 2023, with 82 confirmed cases . Since then, outbreaks have continued across the country.

2026 Dengue Outbreaks

• Piombino, Tuscany — August 2026: A dengue case was reported in a person who contracted the disease while abroad but is now staying in a home in the Ghiaccioni area. Emergency mosquito control measures were activated within a 200-metre radius of the residence .
• San Donato Milanese, Lombardy — A suspected dengue case triggered urgent disinfestation in the via Martiri di Cefalonia area .
• Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna — A suspected dengue case in the via Pietro Micca area triggered a 200-metre radius disinfestation .
• Castellarano, Emilia-Romagna — A dengue case in a person returning from travel .

Chikungunya Risk

In August 2026, a suspected chikungunya case was identified in Reggio Emilia, triggering emergency disinfestation in the area around via Garagnani, via Monari, and via Carretti . Chikungunya is a viral fever transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) .

The Asian Tiger Mosquito — Italy's Primary Vector

Italy's mosquito crisis is driven by the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which first arrived in Italy in 1990 . The species is now established throughout the country and is the primary vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika .

Italian Aedes albopictus populations have also developed widespread resistance to pyrethroid insecticides — the main class of chemicals used for mosquito control . Resistance alleles are now found in mosquito populations across the country . This means that traditional chemical control measures are becoming ineffective .

The public health implications are clear: personal protection — including window screens — is more important than ever .

What This Means for Italian Homeowners

The spread of West Nile virus to 60 provinces and the emergence of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks across Italy means that mosquito protection is no longer optional. Italian homeowners need to take action.

• West Nile virus is now endemic in Italy. The virus can cause severe neurological illness and death, particularly in the elderly .
• Dengue and chikungunya are being transmitted locally — not just by travellers .
• Traditional insecticides are becoming less effective as mosquito populations develop resistance .

The H01 provides a physical barrier that does not rely on chemicals. It blocks mosquitoes from entering your home, protecting your family from bites and disease.

Comparison – H01 vs. Traditional Italian Screen Solutions

How to Order Your H01 for Your Italian Home

Ordering is simple:

1. Measure your windows or doors (width × height in mm).
2. Choose your mesh type — PET for dust/pollen or 304 stainless steel for durability.
3. Select your frame colour — any RAL colour to match your home.
4. Contact us via WhatsApp or email with your specifications.
5. Install yourself in minutes — no drilling required.

We ship to all Italian regions — Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Sicily, Sardinia, and beyond. All screens are custom-made to your measurements and shipped with a 2-year warranty.