Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges
Benedetta Rossi, Filippo Barreca, Domenico Benvenuto, Neva Braccialarghe, Laura Campogiani, A Lodi, Camilla Aguglia, Rosario Alessandro Cavasio, Maria Laura Giacalone, Dimitra Kontogiannis, Martina Moccione, Vincenzo Malagnino, Massimo Andreoni, Loredana Sarmati, Marco Iannetta
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.