Italy increases controls at airports and ports

Dengue emergency in Brazil worries Europe. The virus is spreading all over the world. Italy is tightening controls to prevent the entry of the virus.

ROME – Fear of dengue fever is growing in Italy. The Italian television station reported that the alert level at airports and ports had been raised opinion. The Italian Ministry of Health called on the authorities to be particularly vigilant with transport companies. Especially if they come from countries or import goods where there is a risk of contracting the disease. Dengue cases should be intercepted.

Dengue alert: Italy increases security measures at airports and ports

The dengue virus spread in Lake Garda in the summer of 2023. Entire streets were sprayed with pesticides. Residents were asked to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to repel mosquitoes in general. What distinguishes these cases is that dengue fever is locally acquired. Patients were infected with the tropical virus in Italy. The news didn't just scare vacationers.

Only the small Aedes mosquito, also known as tiger mosquito, transmits the virus to humans. These creatures with distinctive white stripes originally come from Southeast Asia. But the living conditions for mosquitoes in Italy are dangerously good. Experts warn that imported animals may spread even in winter.

“It happens that mosquitoes that survived the flight lead to outbreaks around airports,” Fabrizio Brigliasco of the University of Milan said loudly. today is. The world emphasizes the importance of using aircraft in a targeted manner, as in the fight against malaria. There is also a risk of dengue outbreak.

Dengue fever is widespread in Brazil, and the risk of infection is increasing in Europe and Italy

The situation in Brazil is tragic. The dengue virus is currently spreading rapidly. Hospitals there are sometimes within their limits. A state of health emergency was declared in Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of February. The German Foreign Ministry also reported that health authorities fear a further increase in the number of cases due to the Carnival season and the current rainy season.

Dengue fever is widespread in South America. But the situation this year is particularly bad. The World Health Organization warned, at the end of last December, of the spread of the tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti), thus increasing Dengue infection in Europe.

In 2023, Italy reported 82 locally transmitted infections, France 43, and Spain 3. European countries still have a chance to prevent mosquitoes from spreading further. Climate change and travel are largely responsible for the spread of dengue fever in Europe. And: The eggs can survive the winter in Europe and also in Germany and the larvae can hatch when it is warmer.

Dengue alert in Italy – These are the symptoms of infection with the dengue virus

Dengue fever develops within about five to seven days after a mosquito bite. In addition to high temperature (40°C) and severe pain, the following symptoms may occur:

• High temperature with headache
• Pain around and behind the eyes
• Severe pain in muscles and joints
• Vomiting and nausea
• The rash can appear all over the body 4 to 4 days after the onset of fever
• In rare cases, life-threatening complications and bleeding

Source: Higher Institute of Sanita

According to the Tropical Institute at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, it is also possible to feel tired after dengue fever and sometimes lose hair. Most patients recover after a few days.

Mosquito alert in Italy: How to protect yourself from dengue virus

Dengue virus is transmitted by diurnal mosquitoes. Therefore, it is important to avoid mosquito bites in general. Arms and legs should be completely covered. To do this, it is recommended to apply insect repellents to the skin or impregnate clothing with them. Mosquito nets on windows and doors can prevent animals from entering.

Vaccination against dengue has now been approved in Italy and Germany. Basic immunization consists of two vaccinations, administered three months apart. Stiko (Standing Committee on Vaccination) recommends vaccination only for people who have already tested positive for dengue infection (as of November 2023). In addition to the dengue virus, the chikungunya virus is also under surveillance in Italy as a holiday destination. In the summer, Trieste reported its first case of chikungunya virus. (Ml)