2023-08-24 19:12:00
Title: Holiday Resorts on Lake Garda Take Action Against Dengue Fever
Date: August 24, 2023
By: Martina Lippl
Lake Garda, Italy – Lake Garda, a renowned vacation destination, is facing a health scare as cases of dengue fever have been reported. Recognizing the potential threat, local holiday resorts have implemented measures to tackle the spread of the disease. An anti-mosquito decree has been issued to combat the presence of exotic mosquitoes, the carriers of the dengue virus.
Specialist companies have taken proactive steps to eradicate the Aedes mosquitoes, which are responsible for transmitting the dengue virus. These companies have begun spraying insecticides in the streets of affected areas in an effort to eliminate the mosquito population.
Local Italian media outlets have emphasized that the actions being taken are preventative measures rather than an attempt to incite fear among residents and visitors.
Cases of dengue fever have already been diagnosed in Lombardy, with a 70-year-old individual requiring hospital treatment in the province of Lodi. Two additional cases have now emerged in the Lake Garda communities of Manerba and Padenghe.
To control the spread of the dengue virus in these areas, the mayor of the affected municipality of Manerba del Garda has ordered specific preventive measures. These include wearing long clothing to cover exposed skin, the application of insect repellent, and the removal of any standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as saucers of flower pots. Residents are also encouraged to use mosquito nets on doors and windows, as well as outdoor smoke spirals and indoor electric heaters to repel the insects.
It is crucial to note that the dengue virus is exclusively transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. There is no direct human-to-human transmission. These mosquitoes are primarily active during the day, making it even more important for residents and visitors to take precautionary measures.
Italy has seen almost 50 cases of dengue fever since the beginning of 2023, with Lake Garda adding to the rising numbers. Cases of dengue fever have also been reported in Croatia, France, and Germany, making it essential to remain vigilant and familiarize oneself with the symptoms of a dengue infection.
Although the symptoms of dengue fever closely resemble those of the flu, it is crucial to differentiate between them. According to experts at the Tropical Institute of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, the initial symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, and severe headaches, appear within three to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms typically subside within three to seven days. Rapid tests are available to identify the presence of the dengue virus in the blood, as complications can occur in rare cases.
The Asian tiger mosquito, often referred to as the “world’s deadliest animal” by Bill Gates, is a potential carrier for over 20 viruses, including dengue, West Nile, and chikungunya viruses. This distinct black and white striped mosquito species, originally from Southeast Asia, has successfully spread to various continents, including Europe. In response, the city of Munich in Germany has implemented special measures, such as using traps to monitor the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito.
While the risk of contracting dengue fever in Germany is currently low, precautions should be taken by individuals traveling to tropical regions and other areas where the disease is prevalent. A new vaccine has been made available in Germany as a preventive measure against dengue fever since 2023. This vaccine requires two doses administered three months apart.
As the fight against dengue fever continues, it is crucial for residents, visitors, and local authorities to remain vigilant and take the necessary preventive measures to protect themselves and others from this potentially dangerous disease.
(Story timestamp: 08/24/2023, 7:12 p.m)]
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