by InTrieste
Amid growing concerns over a confirmed case of dengue fever, authorities in Trieste are taking urgent action to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne virus. A comprehensive disinfestation operation will be carried out during the night of September 5th to 6th, with a targeted area of approximately 200 meters around Piazza Garibaldi and Ospedale Maggiore being the focus of the preventive measures. In the event of inclement weather, the operation will be postponed to the following night.
The measures come after a case of dengue was confirmed by local health authorities, prompting the city to launch a radical disinfestation campaign. The A.S.U.G.I. Department of Prevention, which oversees public health in the region, coordinated the intervention in collaboration with the city government.
Starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday, a larvicidal treatment will be initiated, aimed at eliminating mosquito larvae that have the potential to carry and spread the dengue virus. This will be followed by an adulticidal treatment to eradicate adult mosquitoes, expected to begin around 11 p.m.
Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza has signed an emergency ordinance authorizing the disinfestation, which includes strict guidelines for residents and businesses in the affected zone. The goal, officials say, is to halt any further transmission of the virus, which can cause severe flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, lead to life-threatening complications.
In anticipation of the operation, residents have been urged to stay indoors with windows and doors firmly shut, turn off any air circulation systems, and ensure that pets are brought inside. Precautionary measures also extend to home gardens; citizens have been advised to harvest fruits and vegetables in advance or cover plants with plastic sheeting to prevent contamination by insecticides.
Once the disinfestation is complete, residents will need to clean outdoor furniture, children’s toys, and pet items left exposed to the treatment, using gloves to avoid direct contact with any chemical residue.
As the city braces for the disinfestation, authorities have also implemented a temporary traffic ban from 10 p.m. on September 5th to 1 a.m. the following morning, which may be extended depending on weather conditions. Affected streets include Via del Bosco, Via Giovanni Pascoli, Corso Saba, and several other roads surrounding the hospital and main piazza. Exemptions are in place for emergency vehicles and those involved in the disinfestation process.
The fight against mosquito-borne diseases is not new to Italy, where officials have increasingly grappled with outbreaks of West Nile Virus and chikungunya in recent years. However, dengue, which is common in tropical and subtropical regions, is still relatively rare in Europe. Local health officials, though, are not taking any chances.
In the weeks following the operation, residents will be required to comply with additional mosquito control measures, such as eliminating standing water and ensuring that any containers left outdoors are properly covered. Officials will also continue to treat water in drains and other potential mosquito breeding sites with larvicides. Regular maintenance of lawns and gardens will be mandated to minimize mosquito habitats.
