Arbovirus Alert in Como: Mosquito Control Measures Intensify
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As summer temperatures rise in the Como region, health officials are sounding the alarm about the resurgence of arboviruses. The Insubria Health protection Agency (ATS) has issued guidance to all municipalities in the provinces of Como and Varese, outlining steps to control mosquito populations – the primary carriers of viruses like West nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya. This initiative is part of the 2020-2025 National Arbovirus Plan, which emphasizes routine larvicidal treatments and, when necessary, emergency adulticide interventions based on ongoing risk assessments.
Municipal Responsibilities: Regular Disinfestation and Monitoring
Local governments are urged to maintain consistent larvicidal disinfestation programs to target mosquitoes in their larval stages. ATS will collaborate with municipalities to determine if additional measures are needed to eliminate adult mosquitoes when public health risks escalate. Companies contracted for these services must adhere to regional guidelines and meticulously document all activities.
Citizen Involvement: Simple Steps for Effective Prevention
Combating arboviruses requires a collective effort. ATS Insubria encourages residents of the Como area to take the following preventative actions:
- Empty containers holding stagnant water – including flower pot saucers, bins, and other receptacles – on a regular basis.
- Install mosquito netting on windows and doors.
- Utilize insect repellents and wear light-colored, protective clothing, particularly when outdoors in gardens or wooded areas.
- Avoid high-risk areas during peak mosquito activity.
- Seek medical attention if you experience fever, headache, or unexplained muscle pain.
- Take preventative measures after traveling to regions where Dengue and Chikungunya are prevalent.
Beyond Mosquitoes: Ticks and Sandflies Pose Additional Risks
The threat isn’t limited to mosquitoes.Ticks and sandflies also transmit diseases and are common in the wooded and rural areas surrounding Lake Como. ATS recommends avoiding tall grass, staying on marked trails, and thoroughly checking your body for ticks after outdoor excursions. If you find a tick bite, contact local health services or submit the extracted tick to one of the nine collection points in Como and Varese for identification.
A Call to Action: Community-Wide Vigilance
“Prevention begins with small actions, but has a significant impact on everyoneS health,” states the official poster released by ATS Insubria. The message is clear: preventing an increase in infections requires commitment from both institutions and individuals. The Como region is urged to remain vigilant, especially during the summer months when the spread of these viruses poses a genuine threat to public health.
