“Let’s tick it off. How to defend yourself from mosquitoes and other insects” is the message of the new communication campaign developed by the Health Service of the Emilia-Romagna Region, on the eve of summer, to adopt the correct behavior to defend oneself from mosquitoes, which can also transmit viral diseases dangerous.
Video (in two versions, one two minutes long available on the Region’s YouTube channel at https://regioneer.it/video-campagna-zanzare-spuntiamola and one fifteen seconds long for social channels), posters and multilingual leaflets – English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Chinese -, posts on social media are the tools of the campaign which until the end of September will provide citizens with advice and recommendations to limit the spread of mosquitoes and other similar insects and to protect themselves from their bites. The reference site https://www.zanzaratigreonline.it has also been renewed with a summary of the main messages and all the contacts for further information and information. Furthermore, the toll-free number of the regional health service is available: 800 033 033.
The claim “Let’s cut it”, placed alongside the image of the mosquito and accompanied by the subtitle “How to defend yourself from mosquitoes and other insects”, clearly expresses its double meaning: cutting off the sting of insects to succeed in the fight against the dangers of their bites.
“Everyone’s commitment is needed to avoid the spread of mosquitoes and to protect ourselves – underlines the regional councilor for health policies, Raffaele Donini -. For our part, working with Municipalities and Health Authorities is the first step, but citizens must also be aware of the risks and take small precautions. The Regional Arbovirus Plan reaffirms the Region’s commitment to actions to prevent and combat potentially serious viral diseases that mosquitoes can transmit, and strengthens actions against Dengue”.
2023 data on the circulation of viruses in Emilia-Romagna
In 2023 in Emilia-Romagna, there were 44 confirmed cases of Dengue, all imported, 2 imported and confirmed cases of Zika. 57 cases of West Nile virus infection, all indigenous, while no cases were reported confirmed case of Chikungunya.
The 2024 regional arbovirus plan
With the approval in recent months by the Council of the 2024 regional plan for the surveillance and control of arboviruses, Emilia-Romagna confirms the prevention strategy for this year too, increases resources for the fight against mosquitoes and strengthens actions against the Dengue.
For 2024 the Plan allocates 1 million 120 thousand euros: 120 thousand euros for communication and education activities in schools and 1 million euros to support the disinfestation activities carried out by the Municipalities, making the 200 thousand euros more than last year structural they had been allocated on an extraordinary basis to deal with the post-flood emergency. Furthermore, Emilia-Romagna is ready with a series of specific actions against Dengue, in addition to those already planned and consolidated, to deal with a possible spread of the virus.
This year too, the Municipalities are asked to activate the ordinary measures to combat the proliferation of mosquitoes in urban areas (larvicidal treatments on public land and citizen involvement activities for the correct management of private areas), in addition to the timely implementation of extraordinary interventions disinfestation in case of confirmed viral circulation.
Health surveillance on cases of Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika and West Nile disease takes place all year round, but during the period of vector activity, therefore from 1 May to 31 October, it is strengthened. In the same period, entomological surveillance is active (in the 10 capital municipalities with ovitraps and in rural areas with traps attracting adult mosquitoes) conducted with the supervision of the regional technical group, in collaboration with Izsler (Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). Romagna) and Arpae (Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy).
Citizens, however, are asked to adopt correct behaviors in their homes, starting from larvicidal treatments, both to avoid the proliferation of insects and to protect themselves
Useful tips for citizens
Here are some simple preventive measures to implement in sensitive areas such as balconies, courtyards, gardens, cemeteries and vegetable gardens:
Eliminate the saucers and, where this is not possible, avoid water stagnation inside them
Clean the drains carefully and cover them with a mosquito net, preventing them from becoming clogged after rain
Always remove grass clippings and keep the garden clean
Do not leave watering cans and buckets with the opening facing upwards
Keep fountains and ornamental basins clean, possibly introduce goldfish which are natural predators of mosquito larvae
Periodically check the gutters keeping them clean and unobstructed
Empty pet water bowls and water bowls weekly and keep them clean.
Do not leave inflatable pools and other toys full of water in the garden. Cover cisterns and all containers where rainwater collects.
In cemeteries, periodically and carefully clean the flower vases, frequently change the water in the vases or treat it with larvicidal products.
The spread of mosquitoes can be prevented above all through larvicidal control. It is necessary to use larvicidal products periodically from April to November (it is necessary to repeat the treatment after every heavy rain) and according to the instructions on the package. Larvicidal products are necessary to treat outbreaks that cannot be eliminated and in which water remains, such as road wells, drains, manholes and all other environments in which stagnation can occur. The products are easily available in specialized shops or pharmacies. In closed environments, plates for electric stoves, vaporizers or electric diffusers for dispensing insecticides can be used as repellents, carefully following what is indicated on the label. It is also advisable to avoid their operation when you stay
