Italian cities commence mosquito disinfestation campaigns

Municipalities across Italy have launched coordinated disinfestation operations to curb mosquito populations, especially the tiger mosquito, following suspected cases of dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus.

In Messina, a ten‑day night program runs from 16 July to 27 July 2026, treating southern, central and northern districts in hourly blocks starting at 23:00. Reggio Emilia began night interventions on the night of 15‑17 July, deploying adulticide and larvicide treatments, door‑to‑door larval source removal and advising residents to keep windows closed, protect pets and wash produce after spraying. Rosà started a three‑day spray on 16‑18 July within a 200‑metre radius of a recently confirmed chikungunya case, covering both public and private areas.

The Emilia‑Romagna region’s Bassa Romagna area imposed new rules for outdoor events with more than 200 participants, requiring extraordinary disinfestation, prior notification to health authorities and visible public notices. In Sardinia, the town of Sinnai scheduled cockroach‑focused treatments on 21, 22, 28 and 31 July, with strict safety instructions for residents.

All campaigns emphasize public cooperation—eliminating standing water, using repellents and following temporary access restrictions—to protect urban hygiene and prevent disease transmission.