Dengue emergency in Brazil worries Europe. This virus is spreading all over the world. Italy is tightening restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.

ROME – Dengue fever fears are on the rise in Italy. An Italian television station reported that the alert level has been raised at airports and ports Roy. The Italian Ministry of Health has called on authorities to be particularly vigilant with transport companies. Especially if coming from or importing products from high risk countries. Dengue fever should be prevented.

Dengue alert: Italy steps up security measures at airports and ports

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

Only small Aedes mosquitoes, also known as tiger mosquitoes, transmit the virus to people. The species, with its distinctive white stripes, originally came from Southeast Asia. But the living conditions of mosquitoes in Italy are dangerous. Experts warn that imported animals can spread even in winter.

“Mosquitoes that escaped from airplanes led to outbreaks around airports,” said Fabrizio Bregliasco of the University of Milan. Today. That. The scientist insists that targeting aircraft is just as important as the fight against malaria. There is also a risk of dengue fever.

Dengue fever is rampant in Brazil – increasing risk to Europe and Italy

The situation in Brazil is dramatic. Dengue virus is currently spreading rapidly. Hospitals there are sometimes at their limit. A health emergency was declared in Rio de Janeiro in early February. Health officials fear that the number of cases will rise further due to the festive season and the ongoing monsoon, the Foreign Office said.

Dengue fever is widespread in South America. However, this year has been particularly bad. At the end of December, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about the spread of the tiger mosquito and yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti). Dengue fever epidemic in Europe.

In 2023, Italy recorded 82 locally transmitted infections, France 43 and Spain 3. European countries still have an opportunity to prevent further spread of mosquitoes. Climate change and travel have largely contributed to the spread of dengue fever in Europe. And: the eggs survive the winter in Europe and Germany and the larvae may hatch when it's warm.

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

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

• High fever with headache
• Pain around and behind eyes
• Severe pain in muscles and joints
• Nausea and vomiting
• A skin rash appears all over the body 4 to 4 days after the onset of fever
• In rare cases, life-threatening complications and bleeding

That: Istituto Superiore di Sanità

According to the Tropical Institute at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, fatigue and occasional hair loss are also possible after a dengue infection. Most patients recover after a few days.

Mosquito Alert in Italy: How to Protect Yourself from Dengue Virus

Dengue virus is transmitted daily by mosquitoes. So it is important to avoid mosquito bites in general. Hands and feet should be completely covered. To do this, it is recommended to apply insect repellants to the skin or impregnate clothes with them. You can keep animals out by putting mosquito nets on windows and doors.

A vaccine against dengue is currently approved in Italy and Germany. Basic immunization consists of two vaccinations three months apart. STICO (Standard Immunization Authority) recommends vaccination only for persons who have already been proven to have dengue infection (as of November 2023). Apart from dengue virus, chikungunya virus is also under surveillance as a holiday destination in Italy. In the summer, Trieste reported its first case of chikungunya virus. (ml)