What to do during and after tropical trips
The increased risk of dengue transmission in Europe, especially in the east and south, believes that it exists in the near future due to climate change, Dimitris Paraskevis, EKPA Professor of Epidemiology-Preventive Medicine and member of the EODY Board of Directors, but he clarifies that such a threat to our region is not imminent for now.
As he explained in an interview with FM Agency, a century after the last dengue fever epidemic in our country, the aedes albopictus mosquito (Asian tiger mosquito) was created at this time due to the prevailing climatic conditions in recent years. dengue can be transmitted with it, but not so easily because it is not the primary transmitter.
“However, the risk is increasing for a second species of mosquito, the aedes aegypti (tiger mosquito), now established in Cyprus, which is the main vector associated with disease transmission. In other European countries such as Italy and France, local transmission also took place in 2023.”
Asked if there are cases of dengue fever in Cyprus because the culprit mosquito has settled there, Mr. Paraskevis said: “As far as we know, there is no particular problem, but we are cautious because Cyprus has it. not a very effective control”.
What to do during and after tropical trips
For people traveling to or living in tropical areas where mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue are endemic, Mr Paraskevis says they should take strict personal protective measures during travel and for at least three weeks after returning to Greece. the presence or absence of symptoms, i.e. they may have an asymptomatic infection, even if they are not sick, but may still be “contagious” and infect mosquitoes that will bite them).
“These measures include the use of approved body (on skin and clothing) and environmental protection in accordance with the instructions for use at all times. These can be screens, mosquito nets, air conditioners and fans. It is also recommended to wear long clothes that cover the body as much as possible. These measures should be taken during the day, as these mosquitoes bite mostly during the day, with most activity in the morning and afternoon/afternoon to evening.”
As for the clinical spectrum of the disease, the professor notes that it varies from a mild, nonspecific febrile syndrome (with possible accompanying symptoms: headache, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, nausea, vomiting) to a severe disease in about 5% of patients. (with bleeding events or even circulatory shock), can even be fatal.
“If these people experience suspicious symptoms (eg, fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, rash) during the trip or after returning, they should seek medical attention immediately.”
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When asked whether events such as the Olympics, which will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, could lead to over-transmission of such diseases, Mr Paraskevis said: West Nile virus since transmissions occur by transmitters (bird to humans via mosquito), this is not an event that significantly increases the risk. In dengue, to have transmissions, we need to have imported cases from areas with the relevant transmitters, i.e. the dangerous mosquitoes we mentioned above.
Thus, there is also a relative risk of imported cases as there will be visitors from endemic areas. Temporarily, especially in northern Europe, not many transmissions have been recorded since previous years. However, the population, especially vulnerable groups, should in any case follow the personal protection measures we mentioned and seek medical attention as soon as possible if symptoms appear. We hope that the organizers will inform and clarify what are the preventive measures to limit the risks.”