The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has led a team of public health experts who visited the Emilia-Romagna region to examine the implications of the disease.
The team has concluded that the chikungunya outbreak could be repeated in other areas of the European Union so, vigilance is needed in countries where the tiger mosquito is present.
Chikungunya is a tropical virus that is spread by mosquito bites and causes high fever, headache and joint pain. Italy’s outbreak of chikungunya is the first known transmission to be confirmed in Europe. Furthermore, one death has occurred in an 83 year old man with severe underlying conditions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published in its website on 7 September 2007, that the peak of infection was believed to have passed, with a falling number of new cases being reported in Castlione di Ravenna and Castiglione di Cervia.
The virus was detected in local mosquitoes considered responsible for the transmission of the infection. In August, Italian authorities established an active surveillance system based on doctors and hospital emergency units.
Mosquito control measures were also implemented by disinfecting public sites such as streets, parks and gardens of the most affected villages and using larvicides for door-to-door disinfection. Also, information leaflets about mosquito control were given to the public.
ECDC recommendations
In order to minimise exposure to mosquito bites, the ECDC website compiled some recommendations to visitors of areas with chikungunya transmission:
Use of anti-mosquito devices (insecticide-treated bed nets, spray, repellents, etc.) and wearing long sleeve - long leg clothes, especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity.
Mosquito repellent based on a 30% DEET concentration is recommended. Before using repellents, pregnant women and children under the age of 12 years should consult a physician or pharmacist. For newborn children under three months, repellents are not recommended; instead, insecticide-treated bed nets and protective clothing should be used.
Pregnant women, immuno-deprived people and people suffering from a severe chronic illness should consult their physicians prior to the travel in order to assess their risk and get recommendations on personal preventive measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) affirms in its website that, as a precautionary measure, Italian health authorities have advised to suspend blood and organs donations from individuals who, during the 21 days prior to the potential donation, have lived in or visited the areas where suspected or confirmed cases of chikungunya virus infection were detected.
For further information:
World Health Organization article about Chikungunya
ECDC article about the outbreak of Chikungunya fever in North-East Italy
ECDC Consultation on Chikungunya risk assessment for Europe (30 March 2006)
Report from the Ministry of Health, Italy (30 August 2007)
Related EPHA articles:
First Report on Communicable Diseases in Europe
