Three dengue cases in Tuscany

Three dengue cases have been recorded in the city of Sesto Fiorentino (province of Florence). Of these, two cases were classified as imported, and concerned two women who had recently travelled to Fano (province of Pesaro-Urbino), where there has been a major disease outbreak. The other case was classified as autochthonous and affected a male resident of the same household who is believed to have been bitten by a tiger mosquito which had previously bitten the two women. In the view of Pierluigi Blanc, an infectious disease specialist of the Order of Physicians, Surgeons, and Dentists in Florence, the most effective means of combating the disease is the adoption of preventative measures. These include the prompt identification of cases and the use of environmental pest control measures to eradicate vector insects. Furthermore, individuals planning to visit areas with a documented incidence of dengue fever must receive information regarding the measures to be undertaken to minimise their risk of contracting the disease through mosquito bites during their stay.