Press Office

Press release no. 2 4 7

In collaboration with the Ragusa Health Authority, the guidelines for surveillance and useful behaviors to adopt in the matter of West Nile are transmitted:

Mosquitoes aren't just a seasonal nuisance, they can pose a public health risk . By adopting proper behavior and actively cooperating, we can drastically reduce their presence and protect ourselves and our families.

Knowing the Enemy: What are Arboviruses?

Arboviruses are viral diseases transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of insect vectors, primarily mosquitoes or ticks. In Italy and around the world, these infections (such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and West Nile) are constantly monitored by health authorities.

The situation in our territory (Sicily and the Province of Ragusa)

In our urban and rural environment, two main species coexist:

• The common mosquito (Culex pipiens): Active mainly in the evening and night hours. It is the main vector of the West Nile virus.

• The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus): Aggressive and active even during the day. It prefers small urban ponds.

Our island's warm, humid climate and the presence of wetlands rich in birdlife (such as some areas in the Ragusa province) create the ideal habitat for their proliferation. Completely eradicating mosquitoes is impossible, but containing them is a civic duty.

Focus: West Nile Virus (WNV)

West Nile virus has been present in our Sicilian territory since 2024, probably introduced through the normal routes of migratory birds coming from Africa.

How is it transmitted?

• The virus circulates in nature mainly among wild birds and mosquitoes.

• The mosquito, by biting an infected bird, becomes ill and can transmit the virus to " accidental hosts" such as humans or horses.

• VERY IMPORTANT: An infected person cannot transmit the virus to other mosquitoes or to other people through direct contact. There is no risk of person-to-person transmission.

What are the symptoms? There's no need to be alarmed:

• 80% of infected people are completely asymptomatic.

• 20% develop mild flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, nausea, swollen lymph nodes).

• Less than 1% develop severe neurological symptoms (more common in elderly or frail people).

  Mosquitoes require just a few millimeters of standing water to lay their eggs and develop into larvae. Here are the priority actions to take in your private spaces, in line with national recommendations:

ELIMINATE ANY STAGNATED WATER (DAILY/WEEKLY ACTION)

This is the most important action of all. Without water, there are no new mosquitoes.

• Plant saucers and water bowls: Empty the water from plant saucers and pet bowls daily . Caution: Do not empty the water into drains, but directly onto the ground, to kill any larvae.

• Abandoned objects: Remove from courtyards, terraces and balconies any objects that could collect rainwater (tyres, bottles, buckets, jars).

• Smart storage: Always store buckets, watering cans and basins with the opening facing downwards.

• Cemeteries: Fill flower pots with damp sand up to the brim, thus preventing free water from accumulating.

COVER AND PROTECT (PREVENTIVE ACTION)

If you can't get rid of the water, you need to isolate it.

• Tanks and cisterns: Hermetically seal all bins, drums or tubs used to collect rainwater (e.g. to irrigate vegetable gardens) with lids or fine mesh mosquito nets .

• Protective sheets: Make sure that the sheets used to cover wood or materials in the garden are well taut and do not form depressions where water can collect after rain.

LARVICIDAL TREATMENTS AND MAINTENANCE (PERIODIC ACTION)

• Manholes and private drains: Treat the manholes, drain grates and wells in your garden/yard regularly (from April to November) with specific larvicidal products, easily available in pharmacies or agricultural consortia. Repeat the treatment after every heavy rainfall.

• Gutters: Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to ensure proper water drainage.

• Greenery and gardens: Mow the lawn regularly. Tall grass and brushwood create cool, shaded areas where adult mosquitoes like to rest during the day.

• Ornamental fountains: If you have a pond or small fountain in your garden, introduce larvivorous fish (such as goldfish or Gambusia), which avidly feed on mosquito larvae.

TO AVOID: ABUSE OF "ADULTICIDES" INSECTICIDES

➢ The Ministry of Health advises against the frequent and systematic use of chemical products sprayed into the air to kill adult mosquitoes (space-based "disinfestations"). These treatments:

• They have limited and temporary effectiveness.

• They kill beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and ladybugs.

• They can be harmful to humans and pets. The real fight is by catching the larvae in the water!