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First diagnosed infection with chikungunya virus in Europe
For the first time, a Spaniard in his own country has been infected with the Chikungunya virus. This is reported by the National Travel Health Network and Center (NaTHNaC) in London. Thus, the patient is a 60-year-old from Valencia, who fell ill during a trip to France. So far, the transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito virus was mainly distributed in Central and South America. But experts have long suspected that the insect could also be home here.
60-year-old Valencian ill during France trip
In Spain, the first case of a local infection with the Chikungunya virus appears to have occurred. According to the NaTHNaC, local health officials have confirmed that a 60-year-old man from Gandia, Valencia, has been infected with the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The patient had developed symptoms during a trip to France, but authorities would assume that the infection had already occurred before departure in Spain due to the incubation period of four to seven days, according to the NaTHNaC.
Chikungunya infection first occurred in Europe. Image: Kirsty Pargeter - fotolia To date, 86 Chikungunya cases have become known in Spain, but all have occurred after an African or South American trip. "This case shows once again that transmission of Chikungunya fever is also possible in Europe," said the scientific director of the Center for Travel Medicine (CRM), Professor. med. Tomas Jelinek. Accordingly, a further spread of the pathogen in southern European countries is likely, as early as 2007 and 2010, it had come in Italy or in France infections.
Occurrence of tiger mosquito is spreading rapidly
Because the tiger mosquito as the main transmitter of the pathogen is now widespread. Originally from the South and Southeast Asian tropics and subtropics, in recent decades it has been able to travel all over the world, mainly by transporting goods and traveling, and has also been present in central and southern European countries since the 1990s. In addition to Spain, Italy and France, these include Croatia and Greece, and experts fear that the mosquito could also become domesticated in this country.
Just a few days ago, the responsible Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) had informed that a population had been found in the east of Freiburg, which indicated a hibernation and settlement of the Asian tiger mosquito. Already last year, researchers had discovered a similar find in the same place, so far, the heat-loving mosquito, however, had apparently not been able to establish due to the climatic conditions.
Nevertheless, according to the FLI experts, there would be no reason to panic. Instead, the risk of a possible transmission of dangerous diseases is low, even if the species is established, "because the mosquitoes are not infected per se," according to the information provided by the institute.
Complications such as cardiovascular failure are very rare
But especially when traveling to southern countries, the current case from Valencia should be kept in mind when it comes to typical symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, rash, lymphadenopathy, fatigue and severe joint and muscle pain. "Doctors should definitely consider chikungunya infection with travelers from Spain or the south of France," says Tomas Jelinek. After about one to two weeks, the disease usually resolves on its own and there is a lifetime of immunity. Normally, no damage remains, only in rare cases, it can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular failure or meningitis.
As a precaution, ensure adequate mosquito protection
There is no vaccine against the Chikungunya virus and a special therapy. Accordingly, experts advise to pay particular attention to good mosquito protection in risk areas. Additional protection is provided by light and closed clothing and mosquito nets, and insect repellent impregnation can prevent the animals from sticking through thin materials. (No)