Italy reports 2nd locally acquired dengue case
In a follow-up on the arbovirus situation in Italy in 2024, EpiCentro reports a second autochthonous dengue fever case. Both cases were reported in August, one in the Municipality of Albinea, Reggio Emilia province and the more recent case in neighboring Brescia province, both in northern Italy.
In 2023, Italy saw 82 locally transmitted dengue cases.
In addition to the local cases, 410 travel associated dengue cases have been reported as of September 10.
No deaths have been reported.
Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of the genus Orthoflavivirus, belonging to the family Flaviviridae. The virus is transmitted to humans, who are the main host, through the bite of infected mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito). There are four distinct serotypes of Dengue virus and it is possible to become infected multiple times with different serotypes. Subsequent reinfection with a different serotype exposes the person to the risk of developing a severe, potentially fatal disease.
In Europe, in addition to Italy, France (44) and Spain (3) have reported local transmission of dengue.
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In addition to dengue, Italy has also reported the following arbovirus infections this year:
6 confirmed cases of Zika Virus (all associated with travel abroad, median age of 49 years, 50% male and no deaths)
12 confirmed cases of Chikungunya (all associated with travel abroad, median age of 49 years, 50% male and no deaths)
42 confirmed cases of neuro-invasive infection - TBE (40 autochthonous cases and 2 associated with travel abroad, median age of 54 years, 69% male and no deaths)
64 confirmed cases of Toscana Virus (all autochthonous, median age of 53 years, 67% male and no deaths).
331 confirmed cases of West Nile virus.