The Dengue epidemic continues to threaten Italy with over 100 cases reported in the country since the beginning of 2024. Hans Kluge, regional director of the World Health Organization for Europe, has highlighted the role of climate change in the spread of infectious diseases like Dengue and malaria throughout Europe.
Kluge emphasized the urgent need for action to address the triple crisis of climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss, which are threatening our very existence on the planet. He stressed the importance of the ‘One Health‘ principle, which recognizes the interdependence of human health with the health of the planet and the natural environment.
The director reported that Italy has already recorded around a third of the 280 imported cases reported in the whole of 2023, with 82 indigenous infections also reported in that year. This rapid spread of Dengue in Italy is a cause for concern and calls for immediate intervention to prevent further infections.
Kluge also drew parallels with the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that human activities such as deforestation, wildlife trade, and international travel have played a role in the emergence and global spread of diseases. It is essential for countries to take proactive measures to address these issues and prevent future outbreaks of infectious diseases like Dengue.
The situation in Italy is dire, and it is crucial for authorities and health organizations to work together to contain and prevent the spread of Dengue. The health and well-being of the population are at stake, and urgent action is needed to mitigate the impact of climate change on public health.