The urgent need for arbovirus surveillance and control following a catastrophic event: The case of the DANA flood event in Valencia
2024
Arbovirus Surveillance and Control After the DANA Flood in Valencia
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Ceccarelli Giancarlo, Branda Francesco, Giovanetti Marta, Ciccozzi Massimo, Scarpa Fabio
Primary Institution: University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome
Hypothesis
The DANA floods will increase the risk of arboviral outbreaks due to enhanced mosquito breeding conditions.
Conclusion
The DANA flood event highlights the urgent need for improved public health strategies to prevent arbovirus outbreaks in the wake of climate-related disasters.
Supporting Evidence
- Valencia has seen an increase in the population and distribution of Aedes albopictus since 2015.
- The DANA floods created numerous breeding sites for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of arboviral outbreaks.
- Between 2016 and 2018, Valencia recorded 21 imported arbovirus cases, with Ae. albopictus detected in 38% of surrounding risk zones.
Takeaway
Heavy rains from the DANA floods created perfect conditions for mosquitoes that spread diseases like dengue and Zika, so we need to be careful and take action to stop these diseases from spreading.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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