NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the autochthonous dengue cases reported in Italy this year, there are 10 confirmed cases of Dengue transmitted locally in Italy and notified as of 4 September 2023, according to EpiCentro.

Aedes albopictus/FotoshopTofs

These cases refer to three unconnected transmission episodes in the province of Lodi (7 confirmed cases), in the province of Rome (1 case) and in the province of Latina (2 cases). All cases have recovered or are improving.

From the beginning of the year to 5 September, 122 cases of dengue diagnosed in Italy but contracted in other countries were also reported.

The situation described is in line with what is expected this season, considering the increase in international travel after the COVID-19 emergency and the climatic conditions favorable to the proliferation of the mosquito, Aedes albopictus (the tiger mosquito) which can transmit the dengue virus.

In all cases, disinfestation measures against mosquitoes were implemented and, in the areas where local transmission occurred, all the preventive measures required to protect transplants and transfusions were activated. In 2023, in addition to Italy, outbreaks of autochthonous dengue were reported in France.

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 which, in turn, bite a person infected. There is therefore no direct contagion between humans, even if 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.

Normally the disease gives rise to fever within 5-6 days of the mosquito bite, with even very high temperatures. Fever is accompanied by sharp headaches, pain around and behind the eyes, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, skin irritations that may appear over most of the body 3-4 days after the onset of fever.

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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.

Diagnosis is normally made based on symptoms, but can be more accurate by looking for the virus or specific antibodies in blood samples.