Combatting West Nile Virus: Prevention, Surveillance, & Cooperation in Veneto

2023-06-14 15:04:50

To prevent the spread of mosquitoes, prevention, surveillance and cooperation activities are planned. Citizens are asked to help. West Nile Virus – Veneto activates the control plan.

The Veneto Region renews its commitment to combating the spread of tick and mosquito-borne diseases, in particular West Nile Virus. In recent years, there have been more and more cases of illness, and concern among the population is increasing. At the suggestion of the city councilor for health, Manuela Lanzarin, the prevention department has launched a series of initiatives and plans to get the mosquito plague under control.

The Strategy

“Prevention, surveillance, punctuality, respect for the environment and communication – emphasizes Lanzarin – are the cornerstones of the strategy.” The target of surveillance is precisely the disease associated with West Nile virus, the epidemiologically most relevant virus transmitted by mosquitoes , which has been widespread and recurrent in the region since 2008. Elderly and frail people are particularly at risk from the virus.

The regional plan strengthens cooperation with the municipalities, the prefectures, the sanitation consortia and the zooprophylactic institute through the activities of the health companies. Citizens should also be more involved.

With this last point in mind, since June 16th the Region has been running the “Beware of Dangerous Animals” communication campaign, which raises awareness of the health risks that a mosquito or tick bite can pose. « The commitment of everyone is fundamental.”

clinical picture

The disease caused by the West Nile virus is called West Nile fever. Only 20 percent of West Nile Virus infections show signs of illness. Symptoms usually appear within three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

The disease usually manifests itself as a flu-like infection. Unspecific symptoms with fever, exhaustion, vomiting, headache, muscle pain and lymph node swelling often last up to three weeks. Less than one percent of West Nile Virus infections progress to meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. These severe courses can also lead to permanent damage and death. Older age and the existence of immunosuppression are major risk factors for courses involving the central nervous system (CNS).

prevention

There is neither a vaccination nor a specific therapy against West Nile fever. For prevention, it is advisable to protect against mosquito bites, taking into account the following recommendations:

Apply insect repellent outdoors: Sweat and carbon dioxide (from the air you breathe) attract mosquitoes.
Wear long-sleeved clothing when there is a mosquito plague. This is especially true at dusk, as many mosquito species are active at this time.
Seal windows and doors with mosquito nets. If there are many mosquitoes around, additional mosquito nets over the bed will help. In the worst case, keep the bedroom windows closed at night.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in any pool of water. In your own environment you can reduce the number of mosquitoes, for example by covering rain barrels and changing the water in bird baths/dog baths at least once a week.

Effective mosquito repellent for holidays by the sea

Between the sea and the lagoon, mosquitoes are very active. Since these can also transmit the West Nile virus, protection is all the more advisable. However, not all protection is equally suitable. Please also pay particular attention to the use of mosquito repellents for small children.

Spray mosquito repellent

The most effective products are in Thermacell-Store

Other recommended products

The products from Vandal, like those from Etisso, have a similar complex of active ingredients as the Thermacell products. However, you need a socket nearby. So if you want to use this when camping, you should not forget an extension cable. In order to achieve the same concentration of active ingredients as the Thermacell products, TWO plugs are necessary. Because Thermacell’s active ingredient flakes are twice as large. Another article can be found here: Effective mosquito repellent for holidays by the sea
SAVINGS TIP: The Thermacell products can also be operated with Vandal and Etisso plates.