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The vector for dengue virus (DENV) is typically the Aedes mosquito — found worldwide primarily in tropical areas but increasingly in Europe. During August–October of 2023, 68 dengue cases were reported in Italy among patients with no history of recent travel to endemic regions. One male and one female patient (aged 46 and 48, respectively) with confirmed dengue and prolonged viral shedding are described.
The patients had fever, conjunctivitis, macular rash, myalgias, arthralgia, and severe leukopenia despite initially normal platelet values. Confirmative testing included IgM antibody titers and positive rapid assays for DENV NS1 antigen (a sign of early infection), with symptoms lasting 7–9 days. During 28-day follow-up, DENV persistence was…