Dengue continues to be a cause for concern, with infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti discussing the issue during a recent episode of Chesarà on March 30th. While Bassetti reassures the public that the epidemic has not yet reached Italy, he also emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
“There is no need to be alarmist,” Bassetti stated. “There have been cases of importation from South America, such as a person arriving from Argentina in the case of Genoa. People are also arriving from Brazil and other South American countries. We must focus on carrying out disinfection measures, including using insecticides and larvicides, especially from now until May. If a person with dengue returning from an endemic country is bitten by a tiger mosquito in Italy, that mosquito could transmit the disease to someone else, resulting in a new indigenous case.”
Bassetti advises using insect repellents, mosquito nets, and light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites. While the situation is currently a problem in South America, it is essential to take preventative measures to ensure the disease does not spread to Italy.
Stay tuned for updates on the dengue situation and continue to follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and others from this infectious disease.