Health ministry invites regions to up anti-dengue measures

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 22 - The Italian heath ministry on Friday told regional authorities to plan new measures to monitor and combat the spread of dengue fever amid an exponential rise in cases particularly in the Americas.
    In a circular it invited regions to strengthen surveillance, carry out decontamination, train health workers and inform the public about the mosquito-borne illness that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
    In particular, the authorities are asked to identify all sites that are potentially at risk of introducing new species of invasive mosquitoes and to step up public awareness campaigns.
    Controls are also foreseen on blood donations.
    The new circular has been issued in view of the upcoming tiger mosquito season.
    Mild dengue fever causes a high fever and flu-like symptoms.
    The severe form of dengue fever, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock) and death. (ANSA).