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Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
The 2023 dengue outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: A one-health perspective
Francesca Rovida1, Marino Faccini2, Carla Molina Granè3
1Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; SC Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Introduction:
Here we reported the virological, entomological and epidemiological characteristics of the large autochthonous outbreak of dengue (DENV) occurred in a small village of the Lombardy region (Northern Italy) during summer 2023.
Methods:
After the diagnosis of the first autochthonous case on August 18, 2023, public health measures, including epidemiological investigation and vector control measures, were carried out. A serological screening for DENV antibodies detection was offered to the population. In the case of positive DENV IgM, a second sample was collected to detect DENV RNA and verify seroconversion. Entomological and epidemiological investigations were also performed. A modeling analysis was conducted to estimate the dengue generation time, transmission potential, distance of transmission, and assess diagnostic delays.
Results:
Overall, 416 subjects participated to the screening program and 20 were identified as DENV-1 cases (15 confirmed and 5 probable). In addition, DENV-1 infection was diagnosed in 24 symptomatic subjects referred to the local Emergency Room Department for suggestive symptoms and 1 case was identified through blood donation screening. The average generation time was estimated to be 18.3 days (95 % CI: 13.1-23.5 days). R0 was estimated at 1.31 (95 % CI: 0.76-1.98); 90 % of transmission occurred within 500m. Entomological investigations performed in 46 pools of mosquitoes revealed the presence of only one positive pool for DENV-1.
Discussion:
This report highlights the importance of synergic surveillance, including virological, entomological and public health measures to control the spread of arboviral infections.
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