11 Oct 2024 | 06:46 AM UTC
Italy: Confirmed dengue fever cases reported in multiple areas, especially Marche, in October /update 1
Confirmed dengue fever cases reported in multiple areas in Italy in October. Marche is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported confirmed dengue fever cases in multiple areas in Italy, with 173 locally acquired cases reported Aug. 1-Oct. 8. This is compared to the 42 locally acquired cases reported over a similar period in 2023. The Marche Region (124 cases) is the most affected, followed by Emilia-Romagna (36 cases), Lombardy (8 cases), Tuscany (2 cases), Veneto (1 case), and Abruzzo (1 case). Health authorities have implemented mosquito control and preventive measures in affected areas. This report represents the most complete data available as of Oct. 11.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Italian health officials reported the country’s first locally acquired dengue fever cases in 2020 when 11 cases were reported. Health officials reported 82 locally acquired dengue fever cases in Italy in 2023 and no cases in 2022 and 2021.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for children aged 6-16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed.
