Arboviruses

Arbovirus is an informal name for any virus that is transmitted by arthropods like mosquitoes and ticks. Some of the diseases caused by arboviruses are monitored by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), including dengue fever, West Nile fever, Usutu virus infection and Chikungunya. 

Chikungunya

Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, Chikungunya causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and skin rash. Although a cure for this disease has not yet been found, it can be treated to alleviate the symptoms.  

 

Monitoring is carried out throughout the year but is stepped up between June and October when arthropods are most active and it becomes necessary to identify suspect cases. A significant risk factor is the proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human dwellings. 

Animals
Why surveillance matters
Regional surveillance activities monitor the presence of mosquitoes and viruses, identify and contain potential outbreaks, and track cases of disease across the population.
Vector-borne diseases are the focus of an independent Programme (PL16), within the Regional Prevention Plan (PRP), and are closely monitored to provide information and raise awareness among the public. The reference laboratory in Puglia is the Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory of the Department of Hygiene of Bari University Hospital. 

To raise awareness and encourage positive behaviour among the population, the Ministry of Health has launched a number of information campaigns aimed at the general public, the elderly and international travellers. See the posters in Italian: