Dengue and Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Alarm: Italy Heightens Checks in Ports and Airports to Prevent Spread
Rome, 9 March 2024 – The Ministry of Health in Italy is taking action to prevent the spread of Dengue fever as cases escalate in South America. The second circular in a month is being prepared to tighten checks in ports and airports in response to the alarming situation.
The combination of a globalized world and the effects of climate change create ideal conditions for infections like Dengue to spread to Europe and potentially Italy. Experts warn that the next pandemic could be a vector-transmitted disease, with mosquitoes as potential carriers.
In response, Italian health officials plan to intensify checks in ports and airports, focusing on hunting the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the vector of Dengue fever. Measures include increased disinfections of aircraft and ships, as well as the possibility of implementing rapid testing for travelers arriving from high-risk areas.
While Italy has seen some cases of Dengue, all have been imported, with no native cases reported in 2024. The Minister of Health reassured the public that the current situation is not alarming, but vigilance remains important.
Entomologist Claudio Venturelli highlights the importance of the alert, pointing out the presence of mosquito larvae in Emilia Romagna and the potential for Aedes Aegypti to establish itself in Italy. The recent discovery of the mosquito in Georgia, with similar temperatures to Italy, raises concerns about its potential spread.
The rapid test for Dengue involves blood tests, with results typically available within a few hours. Positive cases require isolation for a week, as Dengue presents with symptoms like high fever, eye pain, and bone pain. As Italy prepares for potential threats, the focus remains on prevention and surveillance to protect public health.