Panic after dengue fever case: Bolzano disinfects large parts of the city

In South Tyrol, a person has contracted dengue fever, which is transmitted by a mosquito. The city administration, in coordination with the South Tyrolean Health Service, has immediately initiated an extraordinary control program against the vectors of the disease.

Bolzano's mayor, Claudio Corrarati (center-right coalition), ordered targeted measures using larvicides and adulticides to be carried out this afternoon and Wednesday night between 3 and 5 a.m. These measures will affect both public and private areas, as reported by Südtirolnews .

"A confirmed case of viral dengue fever has indeed been reported by the South Tyrolean health authorities in a person living on Via Genova. The disease, typical of tropical areas, is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes—specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (the tiger mosquito)—which are also present in South Tyrol," reports "bznews24."

It's an infection with a mortality rate of one percent, which can rise to 40 percent in its hemorrhagic variant. "But it's a warning sign." To prevent the risk of spread, the city of Bolzano has ordered disinfection.

• Cause and transmission: Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus , which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are primarily active in tropical and subtropical regions and bite during the day.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe and include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and occasionally minor bleeding. In severe cases, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, severe bleeding and organ damage can occur, which can be life-threatening.
• No specific treatment : There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Treatment focuses on symptom relief, such as pain medication and maintaining adequate hydration. Severe cases often require hospitalization to monitor and treat complications.
• Prevention: Avoiding mosquito bites is crucial for preventing dengue fever. This includes measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellent, and preventing mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water. There is also a vaccine against dengue, but it is only recommended for people in certain age groups and regions.