L‘alert Dengue starting from Brazil and Argentina and spreading to various outbreaks in other tropical areas, it has been triggered in recent days also in Italy the border control protocol for prevention. But what is Dengue and why has the alarm threshold been raised? What are the symptoms of the disease, what are the treatments, is it necessary to have a vaccine?
In 2023 too many cases of Dengue in Italy too
There is also an expansion of dengue in Italy, as highlighted by a recent study about to be published, to which he collaborated Alexander Marcellushead of the Icgeb molecular virology laboratory which operates inArea Science Park of Trieste: «In 2023 we had the highest number of cases and indigenous transmissions of Dengue so far.
The circulation of the virus increases with air travel
«Climate changes but also the movements of people are the main culprits of the circulation of dengue into new areas. The study by Indian colleagues shows us the need to also protect our population from the first encounter with the virus”, warns the Professor Alexander Marcellus.
This is why we need more checks at airports
As stated by Ministry of Health“Due to the global increase in Dengue cases, at the disposal of the general manager, Francesco Vaiawe invite you Maritime, air and border health offices (Usmaf-Sasn) to raise the level of alert and vigilance towards vectors coming from and goods imported from countries where the risk of contracting the disease is frequent and continuous or where Aedes aegypti is present”.
An “imported” disease
Dengue, known for over two centuries, occurs mainly during and after the rainy season in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Southeast Asia and China, India, the Middle East, Latin and Central America, Australia and various areas of the Pacific.
In recent decades, the spread of dengue has increased in many tropical regions. In the countries of the northern hemisphere, especially in Europe, constitutes a danger from the perspective of global healthgiven that it manifests itself above all as imported diseasethe increase of which is due to the increased frequency of movements of goods and people.
What does the dal circular say Ministry of Health
The circular of Ministry of Health recalls “that the International Health Regulations provide that thethe airport/port area and the surrounding 400 meters are kept free from sources of infection and contaminationtherefore also rodents and insects”.
“As already foreseen by the circular from the Ministry of Health of 28 September 2017and in compliance with the National prevention plansurveillance and response to arbovirosis (Pna) 2020-2025 recommends that Usmaf-Sasn monitor carefully the disinfection of aircraft and to evaluate the opportunity to issue ordinances for carrying out extraordinary interventions for the surveillance of populations of vectors and other pests and for disinfestation”.
Objective: to prevent the arrival of the mosquito responsible for Dengue also in Italy
“The mosquito to which the circular refers is the Aedes aegypti, a mosquito specific vector of Zika and also of the Dengue virus – explains Vaia -. This mosquito is not present in our territory and therefore, we want to prevent its arrival in Italy. Among other things, our country is one of the few if not the only one in Europe that has these measures at the border.”
The situation in Europe
In Europe there are 3 countries that have recorded sporadic indigenous cases and epidemics of Dengue, between 1 January and 5 December 2023. Italy, first with 82 cases, followed by France with 43 cases and Spain with 3. “In 2023 we have had the highest number of cases and autochthonous transmissions of dengue so far” explained Alessandro Marcello, head of the molecular virology laboratory of the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology which operates in the Science Park Area of Trieste. “Climate changes but also the movements of people are mainly responsible for the circulation of dengue in new areas,” he added.
What is Dengue
As reported byHigher Institute of Health“dengue is caused by four very similar viruses (Den-1, Den-2, Den-3 and Den-4) and is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites who have already bitten an infected person. There is therefore no direct contagion between humans, even though humans are the main host of the virus. The virus circulates in the blood of the infected person for 2-7 days, and in this period the mosquito can pick it up and transmit it to others.”
Dengue, symptoms and diagnosis
Generally the fever appears within 5-6 days from mosquito bite, and can even rise to very high temperatures. In addition to fever, other symptoms also occur, such as severe headache, eye pain, severe muscle pain and at joints, nausea And vomit, skin irritations which can appear on most of the body 3-4 days after the onset of fever. Typical symptoms are often absent in children.
The most accurate diagnosis is made by searching for the virus or specific antibodies in the blood.
Prevention
The most effective preventive measure against dengue is to avoid coming into contact with the mosquitoes that carry the virus,” recommends the ISS. “Practices such as the use of repellents, adequate and protective clothing, mosquito nets and tents therefore become a priority. Since mosquitoes are most active in the early hours of the morning, it is especially important to use protection during this part of the day.
To reduce the risk of dengue epidemics, the most effective means is systematic and continuous fight against the mosquito that acts as a vector of the disease. This means eliminate all stagnant water near inhabited areas, and carry out campaigns disinfestation that reduce the population of Aedesknown by the name of Tiger mosquito. In the Western Hemisphere the main vector is the mosquito Aedes aegyptieven if there have been cases transmitted by Aedes albopictus.
How Dengue is treated
There is no specific treatment for dengue, and in most cases people recover completely within two weeks. Treatments to support recovery consist of absolute rest, use of drugs to reduce fever and administration of fluids to the patient to combat dehydration. In some cases, tiredness and depression can persist for a few weeks.
The vaccine and a new therapy under study
As reported today by‘Handle, “The disease can develop in the form of hemorrhagic fever with severe bleeding from different parts of the body which can cause real collapse and, in rare cases, be fatal. I am currently a series of vaccines are being studied, although knowledge of the virus and its mechanism of action has only increased in recent years, after an increase in the spread of the disease was recorded. Unfortunately, having contracted dengue only protects the person against the virus that caused it but not against the other three viral types.”
“Dengue virus infection is a huge public health problem – says Anmol Chandele, head of theIcgeb-Emory vaccine program at ICGEB in New Delhi and author of the article. Many patients develop a serious disease that can sometimes be fatal. However, much of the ongoing vaccine intervention research is based on the belief that primary dengue infections are generally not dangerous. Our study challenges this belief.
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