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Red alert: Chikungunya infections are exploding in Italy!
Travel warning for Italy: Increasing chikungunya infections caused by tiger mosquitoes require caution and protective measures.
Red alert: Chikungunya infections are exploding in Italy!
In Italy, infections with the Chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, are increasing. The Nah reports that over 200 cases have been documented in various regions of the country, with German holidaymakers also being affected. Symptoms of chikungunya fever include sudden fever, severe joint pain, rashes, chills and headaches. Older people and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk, as they can suffer from joint pain for weeks to months. No deaths have been reported in Italy so far.
A worrying sign is the cancellation of the well-known “Sagra del Ceo” festival in Verona, which was canceled in mid-September due to the increasing number of infections. Mayor Damiano Tommasi has ordered large-scale disinfection operations in the districts of Santa Lucia, Borgo Milano and Chievo to control the spread of the virus.
Warnings for travelers
The Foreign Office warns against traveling to Italy, especially to the Emilia-Romagna regions, including cities such as Bologna, Rimini and Parma, as well as Veneto with Venice and Verona. The Asian tiger mosquito is particularly active in these areas and, in addition to chikungunya, can also transmit other pathogens such as West Nile, dengue and Zika. For this reason, travelers should take mosquito protection measures. The Daily Mirror recommends using insect repellents that contain DEET or icaridin.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the spread of the chikungunya virus as a potential international health crisis as it is already present in over 100 countries. Experts also warn that climate change and increased human mobility are promoting the spread of tiger mosquitoes. A record number of mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in Europe this year, raising the risk of further outbreaks.
Vaccination recommendations and protective measures
The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends a vaccination against chikungunya, which offers protection with just one dose and takes effect after around two weeks. Travelers should therefore get vaccinated before traveling to risk areas and take special precautions to avoid infection.
In the meantime, it remains to be seen how the health authorities will respond to the current situation and what further measures will be taken to protect the population and contain the spread of the virus.