2023-08-24 17:12:00
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Mosquito alarm on Lake Garda: holiday resorts take action after cases of dengue fever. Anti-mosquito decree issued. © Imago/Montage
Lake Garda is a dream destination for many holidaymakers. A shadow called dengue fever hangs over beauty. First measures have been taken.
Munich/Manerba – When it comes to dream holidays in Italy, Lake Garda with its blue, crystal-clear water is right up there. Ironically, in the high season, a potentially deadly tropical disease scares villages on Lago di Garda: dengue fever. Specialist companies are now spraying insecticides in the streets to eradicate exotic mosquitoes. Because only bites from Aedes mosquitoes transmit the dengue virus. Residents should do everything they can to prevent mosquitoes and, above all, protect themselves from bites. Local Italian media emphasize that it is not a question of scaremongering, but of preventive measures.
Dengue fever on Lake Garda: holiday paradise fights against tropical mosquitoes
In Lombardy, patients have previously tested positive for the dengue virus. A 70-year-old had to be treated in hospital in the province of Lodi. Now there are two more dengue cases in the Lake Garda municipalities of Maneraba and Padenghe.
In order to control the spread of the dengue virus on Lake Garda, the mayor of the affected municipality of Manerba del Garda has ordered special measures. In the areas where the virus is likely to circulate, behaviors to avoid mosquito bites must be implemented.
Like the Italian news portal gardapost.it reported, the ordinance requires residents to wear long clothing to cover the skin and protect against stings. In addition, it is recommended to apply insect repellent. Since mosquitoes multiply in standing water, even the smallest accumulations of water – such as in the saucers of flower pots – should be removed. This applies to both outdoor pots and indoors. Mosquito nets on doors and windows are intended to prevent the bloodsuckers from entering houses and apartments. Outdoor smoke spirals or indoor electric heaters can help repel mosquitoes.
Dengue fever at Lake Garda: diurnal mosquitoes transmit tropical virus
The dengue virus is only transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, such as the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). There is no direct human-to-human transmission. The mosquito must have previously bitten an already infected person. And: These mosquitoes are active during the day.
The mosquito transmits the dengue virus through a bite and triggers a severe flu-like illness in humans. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, life-threatening complications such as bleeding or shock can occasionally occur.
Asian tiger mosquitoes (symbol photo) can transmit dengue fever. A small stitch is enough. © imago
Almost 50 cases have been diagnosed in Italy since January 2023, the Italian newspaper reported The day. The two cases of dengue Lake Garda, which is constantly struggling with problems, so they are not isolated cases. Dengue fever cases have also been reported in Croatia, France and Germany. This makes it all the more important to know the symptoms of a dengue infection.
Dengue virus on Lake Garda: You should watch out for these symptoms
However, the symptoms of dengue infection are almost indistinguishable from those of flu, informs Tropical Institute of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. The first symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain or severe headaches, appear three to 10 days after an infected sting. The symptoms subside after about three to seven days. According to the experts at the Tropical Institute, the dengue virus can be identified in the blood using a rapid test. Since complicated courses can occur in rare cases, it is important to know whether a dengue infection is present.
Dengue or dengue fever symptomsFlu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and severe body aches, skin rash that can resemble sunburn, in rare cases, life-threatening complications and bleeding, exhaustion after a dengue infection and occasional hair lossSource: Tropical Institute of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Asian tiger mosquito “deadliest animal in the world” doesn’t mind the freezing cold
Bill Gates called mosquitoes like the Asian tiger mosquito the “world’s deadliest animal” in 2014. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus – from: Aedes “bad” and albopictus “marked white”) is considered a potential carrier of more than 20 viruses, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus and chikungunya virus. The distinctive black and white striped bloodsucker is also considered to be particularly keen on stinging.
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The mosquito species originally comes from Southeast Asia, but the tiger mosquito is successfully spreading to all continents of the world. In the meantime, populations in Europe have adapted to the climatic situation, reports the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety. Eggs laid in the fall would overwinter, and the larvae would not hatch until the following spring. The city is therefore being monitored preventively München the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito with special traps.
Dengue fever on Lake Garda – how to protect yourself
According to experts, the risk of contracting dengue in Germany is low. It makes sense to take precautions when traveling to the tropics, South and Southeast Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean. A new type of vaccine has been available in Germany since 2023. The basic immunization consists of two vaccinations that are given three months apart. (ml)
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