The 2023 Dengue Outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: A One-Health Perspective

TL;DR

This study details the 2023 dengue outbreak in Lombardy, Italy, highlighting the epidemiological, virological, and entomological aspects, and emphasizes the importance of integrated surveillance and control measures in managing arboviral outbreaks.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of a local dengue outbreak using multidisciplinary approaches, including modeling, which is novel for this region.

Findings

20 confirmed and probable cases identified

Average transmission generation time estimated at 18.3 days

R0 estimated at 1.31, with most transmission within 500m

Abstract

Introduction. Here we reported the virological, entomological and epidemiological characteristics of the large autochthonous outbreak of dengue (DENV) occurred in a small village of the Lombardy region (Northern Italy) during summer 2023. Methods. After the diagnosis of the first autochthonous case on 18 August 2023, public health measures, including epidemiological investigation and vector control measures, were carried out. A serological screening for DENV antibodies detection was offered to the population. In the case of positive DENV IgM, a second sample was collected to detect DENV RNA and verify seroconversion. Entomological and epidemiological investigations were also performed. A modeling analysis was conducted to estimate the dengue generation time, transmission potential, distance of transmission, and assess diagnostic delays. Results. Overall, 416 subjects participated to the screening program and 20 were identified as DENV-1 cases (15 confirmed and 5 probable). In addition, DENV-1 infection was diagnosed in 24 symptomatic subjects referred to the local Emergency Room Department for suggestive symptoms and 1 case was identified through blood donation screening. The average generation time was estimated to be 18.3 days (95% CI: 13.1-23.5 days). R0 was estimated at 1.31 (95% CI: 0.76-1.98); 90% of transmission occurred within 500m. Entomological investigations performed in 46 pools of mosquitoes revealed the presence of only one positive pool for DENV-1. Discussion. This report highlights the importance of synergic surveillance, including virological, entomological and public health measures to control the spread of arboviral infections.