The return of the Chikungunya virus

2025-08-05 Gallura Disinfestazioni posted:

High fever, headache, fatigue, and severe joint pain are symptoms of the Chikungunya virus, transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. In Europe, France has recorded the highest number of cases: 800, detected between May and July 2025. But a few days ago, following the first case identified in Bentivoglio, near Bologna, Italy also raised the alarm.

This virus already proliferated into a full-blown epidemic years ago, affecting over half a million people worldwide. And now it has reportedly resurfaced, originating from the island of Réunion, a French department in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and Mauritius. In this context, at least 5.6 billion people live in potentially at-risk areas, according to the World Health Organization.

What is the Chikungunya virus?

Chikungunya is a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, the same ones that also spread Zika and Dengue. Its spread has increased in recent years, even in some areas of Italy, thanks to milder temperatures and the presence of mosquito vectors.

How is it transmitted?

The virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Once infected, the mosquito can transmit the virus to other people during its bites.

Important: The virus is not transmitted from person to person, but only through mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Chikungunya generally appear between 2 and 12 days after the bite and include:

• High fever
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Rash
• Headache
• Fatigue

In many cases, symptoms last about a week, but joint pain can persist for months, making life difficult for those infected.

How can it be prevented?

To protect yourself from the virus, it is essential to adopt a few simple measures:

• mosquito disinfestation interventions
• Use specific mosquito repellents
• Wear loose clothing, especially in the evening and at night
• Install mosquito screens on windows and doors
• Eliminate standing water near your home, where mosquitoes breed

What to do if you suspect infection?

If symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.

Although Chikungunya is usually not serious, it can cause complications, especially in the elderly or those with other medical conditions. Your doctor can order specific tests and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

The importance of pest control

As already mentioned, it is essential to implement targeted pest control measures that eliminate the mosquito population, the main vector of the virus.

In conclusion

The Chikungunya virus poses a real threat, especially during the warmer months, but with the right precautions, we can reduce the risk of infection.

Staying informed and adopting preventative behaviors is the best way to protect ourselves and our communities.