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The new dengue vaccine (QDENGA) offered to tourists from all over the world who come to Rome.
Dengue viral fever is increasing exponentially in many Asian and Latin American countries.
Millions of tourists from all over the world come to Rome throughout the year. Many tourists come from countries where dengue is endemic and creates major health problems. In many of these countries, the vaccine for Dengue (QDENGA- for the 4 types of the virus) is not yet on the market. Dr. Paolo Meo, director of the Cesmet Traveller’s Clinic, suggests that travellers staying in Rome for a few hours or a few days book an informative interview and vaccination at the Cesmet Vaccination Centre. Cesmet can also vaccinate non-Italian citizens. It is possible to book the vaccination by agreeing on the day and time according to the availability of the person and the centre.
When you book your trip to Italy and know the date of your stay in Rome, take the opportunity to book the day and time of the vaccination. Take advantage of this opportunity: enjoy Rome and dedicate 10 minutes of your time to get a vaccine considered life-saving against Dengue in your country. Our experience is that there are no side effects to the Dengue vaccine.
Click here for information about the vaccine and costs, or send a message (WhatsApp or SMS) to +393466000899.

Info from the desk of
Dr. Paolo Meo
Infectious diseases physician
Director of Cesmet in Rome

Matthew died at the age of 14 at the end of a stay in his grandparents’ country. The stay in a familiar environment gave many happy days. The days spent with his cousins and many friends. Then the illness, the aggravation and death.

It is now clear to everyone, haemorrhagic fevers caused by infection with one of the 4 types of the Dengue virus can kill even during an organised holiday trip. This virus, which is now widespread in most tropical and equatorial countries, is transmitted to humans by a type of mosquito, the Aedes, which is now widespread everywhere, even in Europe, and we are talking about the very common and widespread tiger mosquito.

from Messaggero Veneto of 30 July ’23

Matteo, a young Friulian boy of 14, had finished school and had flown with his mother to Brazil to spend a holiday, to meet his grandparents and aunt and uncle in the state of Parà, in Brazil. He had been living in the country since mid-June and was due to return to Italy at the end of July. During his stay, like many others, he had been bitten by those pesky mosquitoes, and at some point, for more than 10 days, he had begun to feel increasingly ill. First he was bedridden, at home, and then, his symptoms worsening, he was admitted to a hospital, where he was put under treatment. Within a few days, the situation rapidly deteriorated until his death on 29 July.

This dramatic event unfortunately confirms the dangerous nature of the disease and the need to pay great attention to insect bites, vectors (transporters) of the virus. Until now, controlling the territory and the presence of mosquitoes was the first and only prevention against the disease. We now have a preventive vaccine that works both in controlling the outbreak of the disease and also modulates the often dangerous secondary immune response in individuals who have already had the disease. The vaccine was approved by the US FDA, in December 22 by the European EMA, in February 23 by the AIFA in Italy.

To find out about the vaccine’s characteristics click here.
To find out where to get the Dengue vaccine in Italy click here.

AEDES

The dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, most of the time remains asymptomatic, without manifesting itself in any way. And this is what happens in most people, both locals and travellers. Sometimes it can manifest itself with increasingly aggressive symptoms and forms until, in rare cases, death occurs. Treatment is aimed at resolving the symptoms of this immune response and inflammation, which can be particularly violent. Sometimes the disease is characterised by the impairment and collapse of platelets in the blood, with the risk of severe haemorrhaging. In these cases, transfusions and control of probable shock states become essential.
In Latin America, the first half of 2023 was a period of exponential and uncontrolled growth of this disease. In all states, the presence and reproduction of Aedes and the consequent spread of the virus, from human to human through the bite of these insects, was surprisingly high.
Brazil has had the highest levels of spread of this disease for years, but Argentina, Peru and Colombia have also recorded a significant increase in cases and, unfortunately, an important increase in the mortality rate, particularly in the first months of the year. However, Dengue with the other diseases, such as Chickungunija and Zika, are present in all the other countries of Latin and Central America and in all the Caribbean islands.

The drama of Matteo and his family brings us back in a stark way to the need to inform oneself seriously and consciously before a trip. Not to underestimate indications and advice. To know the real risks and the ways to avoid them. Our organism is capable of overcoming anything, but let us help it strengthen itself.

QDENGA of TAKEDA

For the Dengue virus disease I would like to remind you again that there is now an effective and safe vaccine that is worth considering before travelling to endemic areas. FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CLICK HERE.