Italy Increases Controls to Prevent Dengue Spread
The Dengue emergency is on the rise worldwide, with critical peaks recorded from Africa to Brazil, and in the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In response to this growing threat, Italy has decided to ramp up controls on transportation and incoming goods to prevent the entry of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito responsible for Dengue.
A new circular issued by the Ministry of Health states that all vehicles arriving from countries at risk must have “disinsection certification,” even if they only passed through or made intermediate stops in a high-risk area. The disinsection methods must comply with WHO-approved procedures outlined in the “WHO aircraft disinsection methods and procedures, 2nd ed” document. Failure to comply with these measures could result in legal action under Article 650 of the Criminal Code.
In addition to aircraft, boats of all types, including pleasure boats, are also under observation. They are required to report their recent ports of call, sanitize sensitive areas on board, and prevent water stagnation. Special checks will also be conducted on goods that could potentially import infected mosquitoes, such as used tires, fresh cut flowers in aquatic substrate, and exotic wood trunks holding water.
On the healthcare front, Professor Massimo Andreoni, the scientific director of Simit, highlighted the increase in autochthonous Dengue cases in Italy. As the summer months approach, efforts to control the spread of the disease and the Aedes Aegypti mosquito are crucial. While vaccines are available, they are not currently recommended for Italian subjects due to the level of risk not justifying widespread vaccination.
Italy’s proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to preventing the spread of Dengue and protecting public health in the face of a global health emergency.