Warmer climate

Dengue fever is spreading in Italy

The symptoms of dengue fever are flu-like (symbolic image).(Bild: Andrii Starunskyi – stock.adobe.com)

Dengue fever is no longer just a travel sickness. As the climate is getting warmer, the mosquitoes that transmit the disease can also overwinter better in Europe than in the past. More than 80 locally acquired dengue cases were reported in Italy last year (see video above).

Worldwide, the number has increased, especially on the American continent, according to a circular on Friday. The Italian Ministry of Health has now called on the regional authorities to monitor and combat the infection. Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes; introduced invasive species, for example, pose a risk. A mild infection causes high fever and flu-like symptoms. A severe course of the disease can lead to severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure and even death.

A mild infection causes a high fever and flu-like symptoms (symbolic image).(Bild: Andrii Starunskyi – stock.adobe.com)

Check blood donations
The disease occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. However, dengue fever is no longer just a travel disease due to the introduction of mosquito species and an increasingly warmer climate in Europe. The Italian authorities have now been asked to identify all places where there is a risk and to inform the public. Checks are planned for blood donations and healthcare staff are also to be trained.

More than 80 locally acquired dengue cases were reported in Italy last year and over 40 in France. A vaccine has also been available in Austria since last year. The chikungunya vaccine from the Austrian-French manufacturer Valneva could also soon be available in Europe following approval in the USA.