Climate change “is transforming the landscape of diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks”. This is underlined by the Italian Society of Pediatrics (Sip) which highlights the potential risks for children, providing recommendations on how to protect them and how to implement prevention strategies.
“The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that average annual temperatures could increase by between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius in Europe by 2100. This increase in temperatures, together with changes in precipitation and globalization, facilitates the spread of pathogens and vectors, increasing the incidence of vector-borne diseases”, says Vania Giacomet, associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of Milan and member of the Technical Table on Infectious Diseases and Vaccinations of the Italian Society of Pediatrics. Mosquito and tick bites, “in addition to being very annoying, can transmit diseases that were previously typical of tropical climates (Dengue and Chikungunya, TBE or tick-borne meningoencephalitis),” reiterates the SIP.
In Italy (data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, July 2024), 283 cases of Dengue, 5 cases of Chikungunya and 4 cases of Zika virus have been reported, all imported and in adults. In the first quarter of 2024, cases of Dengue increased approximately 6-fold compared to the same period in 2023. In addition, 20 cases of neuro-invasive infection (TBE) from ticks and 12 from Toscana Virus, both autochthonous, have been reported. Cases involving pediatric subjects are extremely rare. “The increase in Dengue in the world is closely linked to climate change, because the heat favors longer breeding periods for mosquitoes, in addition to more frequent travel and globalization. Furthermore, the increase in temperatures in the winter months reduces the hibernation of ticks, consequently their activity is earlier and more prolonged”, clarifies the Sip.
Even though in Italy we have few cases of these diseases, mostly imported in adults, and without deaths, the Environment and Health Commission of the Italian Society of Pediatrics recommends “taking measures to control the spread of mosquitoes and to prevent bites, so as to protect children, as well as themselves and their families”. In particular: 1) Physical protection. A) If outdoors, dress the child in protective clothing such as light clothing that covers arms and legs; B) Use mosquito nets on windows and doors; C) Do not leave the doors of the house open; D) Cover strollers, baby carriers and beds with mosquito nets in areas at risk of bites; E) Use air conditioning when possible.
2) Chemical protection. A) Use insect repellents registered and approved for children (Deet), apply them only on exposed parts, not on hands, eyes, mouth, cuts or irritated skin; B) Do not use products containing Ole or Pmd (eucalyptus oil or lemon eucalyptus) on children under 3 years of age (may irritate eyes and skin); C) Citronella, peppermint, geraniol, soy, rosemary, picaridin have little efficacy and can sometimes have significant irritating effects; D) If you also need to use a sunscreen, it should be applied before the insect repellent.
3) Control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Mosquitoes are found in dark, damp areas such as under patio furniture or under a carport or garage. Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water by emptying water reservoirs and keeping damp areas and containers dry, such as flowerpot saucers and paddling pools, which should always be emptied and turned upside down when not in use. 4) Control mosquitoes indoors. Mosquitoes rest in dark, damp places and, if they enter the house from the outside, they can start laying eggs indoors. If there are still mosquitoes in the house, after installing and repairing the mosquito nets and emptying and cleaning the containers, it is advisable to use an indoor insecticide, following the instructions for use, or contact a specialized pest control agency. However, using an indoor insecticide alone is not enough to keep the house free of mosquitoes.
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