What viruses are currently circulating?
Not only Covid, but also Dengue , West Nile and Chikungunya : due to intercontinental travel, major events ( the Olympics above all), the increase in social occasions, staying in crowded places and climate changes , different types of viruses are circulating during the summer of 2024 , which can trigger infections of varying intensity and severity.
These viruses can be transmitted by air, as is the case with Covid, or by infected animals , particularly infected mosquitoes .
Is Covid still a danger?
According to the latest data, the circulation of the SarsCoV2 virus in Italy is increasing. Of particular concern are the KP.3 and LB.1 variants, which are recording a strong increase in infections in several countries.
However, the summer wave of Covid was expected and at the moment, according to experts, it has not taken on characteristics that cause concern. It is important to continue to respect the usual rules of common sense, but there is no need to be overly afraid .
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a disease that in less serious cases presents itself in a manner similar to the flu , with fever , headache , bone, joint and muscle pain and gastrointestinal disorders. Sometimes a rash appears and sometimes blood loss from the nose or gums occurs . Another typical symptom of dengue is marked asthenia .
In the most serious forms, after an initial flu-like phase, sudden weakness, irritability and paleness appear . At this stage of the disease, bruising and blood loss from the nose , gums and gastrointestinal tract (with blood in vomit and stool ) are common.
It is caused by viruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes , the same ones that transmit yellow fever . These insects are particularly active a few hours after dawn and in the late afternoon. Humans become ill with dengue when they are bitten by an infected mosquito, which may have contracted the virus by biting another infected person. In fact, humans remain contagious from shortly before the onset of fever and for the entire duration of the feverish period (on average five to seven days).
Therefore, there is no direct contagion between humans, even though humans are the main host of the virus. Dengue is widespread in much of Southeast Asia , Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania.
Is West Nile dangerous?
In most cases, West Nile virus causes no symptoms or so mild that they go unnoticed. When it does occur, it is often mild, with fever, headache , joint pain , and skin rashes .
Less than 1% of infected people develop serious symptoms: high fever , severe headache, muscle weakness , disorientation, tremors , vision problems, numbness, convulsions , even paralysis and coma .
The reservoirs of the virus are wild birds and mosquitoes (most frequently of the Culex type), whose bites are the main means of transmission to humans. The virus also infects other mammals, especially horses, but in some cases also dogs, cats, rabbits and others. Interhuman contagion is possible only through blood transfusions and mother- fetus contact during pregnancy.
West Nile virus is widespread throughout the world , including in Europe.
Where does the Chikungunya virus come from?
The Chikungunya virus is present mainly in Asia and the Indian Ocean , however cases have also been reported in Europe, including Italy. Also in this case, humans contract the infection when they are bitten by an infected mosquito (particularly of the Aedes genus ) which, in turn, may have contracted the virus by biting another infected person or an infected primate.
Chikungunya causes a viral disease that, after an incubation period that lasts on average three to seven days, manifests itself suddenly with fever and severe joint pain that limits movement. Other possible symptoms are muscle pain , headache, fatigue and skin rash . Then spots may appear all over the body and, more rarely, neurological symptoms.
Usually, the infection tends to resolve spontaneously, but in some cases rheumatic pains remain, which drag on for months.
Is Oropouche fever also present in Italy?
Oropouche fever is an infection typical of tropical and subtropical areas, and is especially widespread in the Caribbean (such as Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago) and in Brazil. However, in recent weeks there have also been cases in Italy, all related to people who had contracted the disease during trips to tropical countries.
Oropouche fever is transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes and midges. It manifests itself with the sudden onset of fever , accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, chills , muscle and joint pain , nausea , vomiting , diarrhea , general malaise.
How to defend yourself from mosquitoes?
- Wear light-colored, long clothesmade of natural fabrics.
- Avoid perfumes, deodorants and cosmetic products with strong aromas.
- Do not leave open cans of drinks or sweets on balconies, terraces, gardens and in general try not to eat outdoors.
- Use insect repellents and sprays on exposed skin.
- Use mosquito nets.