In Italy "we are recording a slight increase in cases of dengue infection, but this was widely expected as, with the good weather, travel also increases towards Central and South America, where the infection is highly present. Consequently, the cases are slightly increased here too, but they are all imported cases". This was underlined to ANSA by infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti, president of the Italian Society of Anti-infective Therapy and director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at San Martino Irccs Hospital in Genoa. Just a few days ago a case of dengue was treated at San Martino in a boy from Argentina, who had already been discharged.
"At the moment - explains Bassetti - we are faced with all imported cases, i.e. recorded in people who had traveled and came from countries where the infection is endemic. It is clear that with the surge in cases in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Peru, cases of infection in those returning from these places have also increased." Furthermore, he adds, "in recent months, media attention has increased regarding this infection, and it is easier for those returning from trips to these places to undergo checks at the onset of any first suspicious sign". According to Bassetti, it is therefore probable that this trend will continue, with a further increase in infections also in Italy: "The most important aspect - he specifies - is that at this point no indigenous outbreaks develop in our territory, i.e. cases of infection developed in subjects who have never traveled to risk areas, as already happened in 2023 with two outbreaks in Lazio and Lombardy. In fact, indigenous outbreaks would lead to a risk of epidemics". Outbreaks of this kind could develop if an infected person, returning from an endemic area, was bitten by tiger mosquitoes present in our territory and the virus was then spread to other people by the bite of the mosquitoes: "Until now - clarifies the expert - this it didn't happen also because winter is not the right season, but with Spring and Summer mosquitoes reproduce more quickly and you have to be very careful." An important measure, he underlines, "are disinfestations and the ministry has moved well and quickly compared to the rest of Europe, with three circulars. But now the responsibility passes to local authorities who must take action".
As for the symptoms of dengue infection, Bassetti recalls that the main ones are fever, bone pain, rash with red dots on the skin, headache and pain behind the eyes: "In the presence of such manifestations upon returning from a trip to places with presence of dengue - he notes - it is best to contact a specialist and get checked". Furthermore, at this moment, concludes Bassetti, "it is important to raise awareness among travelers but also healthcare facilities and family doctors so that they pay particular attention to this type of symptoms".
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