Background: West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne neurotropic virus, belonging to the Flaviviridae family and the Orthoflavivirus genus. The effective control of WNV requires a targeted preventive strategy that also needs the identification of the higher-risk populations. Hence, this study focused on a systematic literature review of WNV-acquired infection in work-related settings and the assessment of the exposure risks among different occupational categories. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies until September 2023 in multiple databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science, according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Risk of bias of collected papers was assessed by the ROB tool of the National Toxicology Program’s Office of Health Assessment and Translation handbook. Results: A total of 21 studies were included in the systematic review, out of which seventeen were observational studies and four were case reports. Workers identified as at higher risk for WNV infection were military workers, veterinarians, agricultural workers, farmers, and laboratory workers with contact with infected fluids or aerosols. Conclusions: The identification of higher-risk workers could facilitate active surveillance by occupational physicians, which could improve our understanding of the epidemiology of WNV and, in addition, could help tailor appropriate preventive recommendations, reducing the overall burden of disease in high-risk areas.

Zoonotic diseases, which constitute 60% of all human infectious diseases, present substantial risks to public health, economies, and livelihoods. These diseases emerge at the human-animal-environment interface, with occupational exposure representing a critical yet underexamined dimension of zoonotic risk. Workers in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, wildlife management, and laboratory research face elevated exposure to zoonotic pathogens, often under conditions of inadequate preventive measures and resource constraints. Neurological disorders resulting from zoonotic infections, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalitis, and meningitis, illustrate the severe health consequences for occupational groups. Cases linked to swine hepatitis E virus, West Nile virus, Streptococcus suis, and Baylisascaris procyonis underscore the urgent need for robust surveillance and targeted interventions. The Ecohealth approach, integrated with the One Health framework, provides a transformative model for managing zoonotic risks by addressing the upstream drivers of disease emergence. By emphasizing environmental stewardship, ecological balance, and socio-economic equity, Ecohealth fosters sustainable preventive strategies. Occupational medicine is crucial in linking workplace safety with public health through tailored risk management, enhanced surveillance, and targeted education. Despite these frameworks, significant barriers persist, including data gaps, underreporting of occupational diseases, and insufficient coordination among health sectors. Addressing these challenges requires implementing standardized occupational health surveillance systems, enhancing reporting mechanisms through digital tools, and promoting cross-sectoral data-sharing initiatives. Successful models, such as sentinel surveillance programs in agricultural sectors and integrated biosurveillance networks, demonstrate the feasibility of these strategies. Leveraging these approaches can facilitate early detection, improve reporting accuracy, and support evidence-based interventions.

Work organization and psychosocial factors influencing sleep patterns may be significant risk factors for developing obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the impact on the health of working patterns in the fishing sector is not well characterized. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of MetS and its components in fishermen and to analyze occupational-specific risk factors contributing to metabolic alterations. One hundred forty-three male fishermen from Apulia (Southern Italy) and 93 male university workers age-matched and from the same geographical area were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was administered to investigate socio-demographic variables, work activity, health status, and dietary habits. All subjects underwent clinical evaluation and blood sampling to depict their metabolic profile. A higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.001) were observed in fishermen than in university workers. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in the prevalence of MetS (15.4% fishermen vs 16.1% university workers) and its relevant diagnostic criteria, except abdominal obesity (42.7% fishermen vs 29.0% university workers, p = 0.021). The Castelli risk index, the monocyte/c-HDL ratio, and the Sokolow index were significantly greater in fishermen (p < 0.001). In the fishermen group, the total number of sleeping hours on working days was negatively correlated with WC (r = -0.17; p = 0.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-LDL) (r = -0.21; p = 0.02), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (r = -0.19; p = 0.02). The higher prevalence of obesity and the imbalance of the metabolic profile observed in fishermen could be related to occupational factors, including the specific working pattern that influences their sleeping hours and sleeping-waking rhythms.

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus, with birds as reservoirs and humans as incidental hosts. WNV often causes asymptomatic infections, but severe neuroinvasive disease occurs in fewer than 1% of human cases. Recent climatic changes and occupational exposure have increased its spread, particularly in Southern Italy. This study aimed to assess WNV seroprevalence and occupational risks among outdoor workers to guide targeted public health interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Apulia region, southeastern Italy, from November 2023 to April 2024. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire on socio-demographics, occupational exposure, travel history, and health symptoms. Blood samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization assays to detect WNV-specific antibodies. Results: 250 outdoor workers in southeastern Italy were recruited, including agricultural workers, veterinarians, forestry workers, and livestock breeders. The latter showed the highest WNV prevalence at 6.5%. Protective measures such as repellent use (β = −0.145, OR = 0.95, p = 0.019) and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage (β = −0.12, OR = 0.94, p = 0.04) significantly reduced the likelihood of WNV infection. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant occupational risk posed by WNV to outdoor workers involved in livestock breeding in Southern Italy, likely due to their frequent exposure to mosquito-prone environments. Tailored public health strategies and education programs are needed to protect high-risk outdoor workers from WNV, amidst the backdrop of changing climatic conditions that favor increased transmission.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease endemic in Italy, which perpetuates in several intermediate hosts, including wild boars, and dogs as definitive hosts. People living in rural and livestock-raising areas are exposed to E. granulosus s.l. infection, as well as people leading outdoor activities in endemic regions. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the exposure to Echinococcus spp. in wild boar hunters, the role of their hunting dogs as parasite reservoirs, along with hunter's knowledge on the infection risk.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a growing occupational risk due to the expanding geographical range of tick species and their associated pathogens. This study aims to assess TBD seroprevalence among different occupational groups in Europe, identifying high-risk professions and guiding targeted prevention efforts. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate TBD seroprevalence in occupational settings across Europe from January 2013 to June 2024. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus identified 36 relevant studies. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the inconsistency index (I²), with sensitivity and outlier analyses applied to evaluate their impact. Publication bias was examined through funnel plot analysis, Egger's test, and Duval & Tweedie's trim-and-fill method. Seroprevalence varied significantly across occupations. The highest rates were found for Coxiella burnetii among livestock and dairy producers (up to 73.7 % in Italy) and Borrelia burgdorferi among forestry workers, particularly in Poland. A meta-analysis of 33 studies revealed seroprevalence rates of 8.2 % in military workers (no publication bias), 26.0 % in forestry workers, 8.0 % in veterinarians, and 18.0 % in farmers, with high overall heterogeneity. TBD risk is influenced by occupational exposure, environmental factors, and regional differences. Given the substantial variation across worker categories, targeted preventive measures, increased awareness, and enhanced surveillance efforts are necessary to mitigate risks in high-exposure professions.