Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever is an emerging mosquito-borne disease which is expanding its geographical area of activity. Although commonly transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in tropical areas, viral strains with a single mutation showed adaptation to Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are widespread in several temperate areas of the world, leading to outbreaks in previously naive areas. Although considered a self-limiting disease, studies conducted in countries affected by recent epidemics have identified unusual severe clinical presentations of this viral infection. Preparedness and mosquito control activities are important in countries where either Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus have been detected in order to reduce the risk of introduction of the Chikungunya fever virus and/or to reduce its impact in areas where it is already circulating.