Headlines - Chikungunya - Local Transmission in France and Italy in 2017

Given the risks of importation from areas where the chikungunya virus circulates worldwide and of spread by local mosquito vectors, surveillance and control measures have been implemented in various countries. In metropolitan France, the Ministry of Health has, since 2006, implemented a plan to prevent the spread of chikungunya, dengue, and Zika (expanded in 2016 following the epidemic in South and Central America and the Caribbean islands), which includes entomological and epidemiological surveillance conducted by Santé publique France. Preventive measures, particularly vector control, are specified therein. The recent identification of clusters of locally acquired cases in France and Italy confirms the reality of the risk of vector-borne transmission of the chikungunya virus and serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing preventive measures and providing information to travelers heading to and returning from endemic areas.

Situation in France: As of September 27, 2017, 11 locally acquired cases of chikungunya have been identified in two clusters located about 10 kilometers apart in the Var department: 9 confirmed cases (detection of the virus by PCR) and 2 probable cases (detection of anti-chikungunya IgM antibodies). An epidemiological link between these two clusters has been established through investigations. Investigations are ongoing

Situation in Italy: Local cases of chikungunya were detected in August and September in Italy, mainly in Anzio, a seaside tourist town in Lazio, and Rome.As of September 21, 2017, 92 confirmed locally acquired cases of chikungunya had been diagnosed, including 70 cases in the coastal area of Anzio (Lazio region) and 19 in Rome. Investigations are ongoing (Source: ECDC).