Italy Increases Checks on Vehicles and Goods Coming from Brazil and Argentina Amid Increased Dengue Cases
Italy has heightened its focus on monitoring vehicles and goods arriving from Brazil and Argentina, where there has been a surge in Dengue cases. The move comes as a proactive measure to prevent the spread of the virus responsible for Dengue into the country.
In response to the escalating Dengue outbreak in South American countries, Italy has announced an increase in checks on vehicles and goods coming from these regions. The Italian authorities have highlighted “the risk of contracting the disease is frequent and continuous” in Brazil and Argentina, prompting the need for stringent measures to prevent the virus from entering Italy.
The measures being implemented include thorough monitoring of aircraft disinfection and the assessment of any ordinances for extraordinary surveillance and sanitization interventions. These actions are specifically aimed at preventing the transmission of the virus responsible for Dengue, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and can evolve into a serious form requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Roberto Ieraci, an infectious disease specialist from the Vaccination Strategies Group of the Lazio Region, emphasized the importance of being prepared for the potential spread of Dengue. He noted that the global increase in Dengue cases is linked to climate change, urbanization, and globalization, which have contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.
With approximately 390 million cases reported worldwide each year, and an incidence that has increased 30-fold over the past 50 years, the potential for a new pandemic is a growing concern. Even in Italy, where 82 indigenous cases out of 362 in total were recorded in 2023, the risk of endemic transmission is a looming possibility.
Dr. Ieraci further explained that the growth in Dengue cases is directly linked to the increase in global temperatures, resulting in favorable conditions for the expansion of invasive mosquitoes like the Aedes Albopictus and Aedes a Egypt. These factors have contributed to an increase in imported cases of Dengue, raising the risk of local transmission.
Italy has a National Prevention Plan for the prevention, surveillance, and response to Arbovirosis, which outlines various measures for preventing or reducing the risk of Dengue spread. These include risk communication, training, environmental and vector-fighting measures, vaccination, and organizational recommendations. The Ministry of Health has also raised the level of vigilance at airports towards planes and goods imported from high-risk countries.
In addition to preventive measures, Italy has approved a new anti-Dengue vaccine, which can be requested from Vaccination Centers of local health authorities. The vaccine is recommended for travelers visiting endemic areas and has a vaccination schedule of two doses administered three months apart.
Efforts are also 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.
The increasing incidence of Dengue cases globally, coupled with the potential for local transmission, emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness to combat the spread of the disease. Italy’s proactive measures and focus on preventive strategies demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding public health against the threat of Dengue.