Abstract

In Italy, the 2018 West Nile virus transmission season started early with a high number of cases reported. One-Health surveillance, within the Italian West Nile national preparedness and response plan, detected viral circulation 9 days before symptom-onset of the first confirmed human case; triggering timely implementation of blood and transplant safety measures. This is an example of how functional coordination allows health authorities to use early warning triggers from surveillance systems to implement preventive measures.

Highlights

  • In Italy, the 2018 West Nile virus transmission season started early with a high number of cases reported

  • More human cases are expected until the end of the West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season

  • Individual protection from mosquito bites remains the most important measure towards preventing WNV infection including the use of mosquito repellents, in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label, wearing light coloured long-sleeved shirts and long trousers and sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms [16]

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Summary

Rapid communication

An early start of West Nile virus seasonal transmission: the added value of One Heath surveillance in detecting early circulation and triggering timely response in Italy, June to July 2018. One-Health surveillance, within the Italian West Nile national preparedness and response plan, detected viral circulation 9 days before symptom-onset of the first confirmed human case; triggering timely implementation of blood and transplant safety measures. This is an example of how functional coordination allows health authorities to use early warning triggers from surveillance systems to implement preventive measures. In 2018 the transmission season began earlier with the first detection of WNV in the Province of Rovigo (Veneto Region) [1] on 7 June from a pool of Culex mosquitoes; the first confirmed human case developed symptoms 9 days later in the same endemic Province (Figure 2). In 2018, all SoHO safety measures have been activated as a result of animal/entomological triggers

West Nile fever
West Nile virus epidemiology and integrated surveillance and response in Italy
Conclusion
Working group
None declared

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