Dengue Cases Reported in Genoa, Italy – Imported from South American Countries
In the past week, three cases of dengue fever have been reported in Genoa, Italy, with two patients being treated at San Martino hospital. The cases were imported from Brazil, the Maldives, and Peru, respectively, according to ASL4.
Professor Matteo Bassetti, the director of infectious diseases at DIAR in the Liguria Region, confirmed that all three patients are doing well. He praised Liguria’s efforts in raising awareness about the disease, which he believes have contributed to the successful management of the cases.
Emanuele Pontali, director of infectious diseases at Galliera hospital, provided an update on the patient who arrived from Brazil, stating that the individual is improving and is still symptomatic but getting better. Dengue fever is known for causing severe headaches, widespread pain in bones, joints, muscles, and fever.
Pontali highlighted the fact that dengue fever is prevalent in many South American countries and is transmitted through mosquitoes that bite an infected person and then a healthy person. He emphasized that most cases in Italy are imported, with very few locally transmitted cases.
Both Pontali and Professor Bassetti emphasized the importance of mosquito control measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Bassetti urged individuals with any doubts to visit the infectious diseases day hospital for a check-up and blood test, stressing that there are no waiting lists for appointments.
As the number of imported cases of dengue fever continues to rise globally, health authorities in Italy are working diligently to prevent local transmission and protect public health.