Italy Increases Surveillance Measures Following Rise in Dengue Cases in Brazil and Argentina
In light of the increasing number of Dengue cases in Brazil and Argentina, Italy has ramped up its surveillance and monitoring efforts to prevent the spread of the disease within its borders. The countries of Brazil and Argentina have seen a surge in Dengue cases, prompting Italian authorities to take action to minimize the risk of the disease entering Italy.
The measures include heightened monitoring of aircraft disinfection and the evaluation of potential ordinances for enhanced surveillance and sanitization efforts. The goal is to prevent the virus responsible for Dengue from spreading within the country. Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Globally, there are approximately 390 million cases of Dengue reported each year, causing approximately 20,000 deaths. The incidence of Dengue has increased 30-fold over the past 50 years, raising concerns about the potential for a new pandemic. Italy itself recorded 82 indigenous cases out of 362 in total in 2023, prompting questions about the risk of endemic transmission within the country.
Dr. Roberto Ieraci, an infectious disease specialist from the Vaccination Strategies Group of the Lazio Region, emphasized the need for vigilance and preparation in the face of the evolving threat posed by Dengue. He highlighted the role of climate change, urbanization, and globalization in the rapid spread of the disease, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent its further expansion.
The growth in Dengue cases is connected to the increase in global temperatures, favoring the expansion of invasive mosquitoes such as the Aedes Albopictus and Aedes aegypti within Europe. This expansion of vectors poses a threat of imported cases and the potential for endemic transmission.
To address the risk, Italy has implemented the National Prevention Plan for Arbovirosis (PNA) 2020-25, which outlines measures for prevention, surveillance, and response to mosquito-borne diseases. This includes risk communication, training, environmental and vector-fighting measures, vaccination, and organizational recommendations.
In terms of vaccination, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has approved the use of a new anti-Dengue vaccine, which can be obtained from vaccination centers. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and is administered in two doses.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to develop new antiviral drugs to prevent the transition from the classic form of Dengue to the severe hemorrhagic form, which can be fatal if not treated.
Dengue is a serious public health concern that poses a risk of pandemic, and Italy is taking proactive measures to minimize the threat of the disease within its borders. Increased surveillance and monitoring efforts, along with vaccination strategies and the development of antiviral drugs, are crucial steps in preventing the spread of Dengue.