Chikungunya: Virus outbreak in northern Italy-where the danger is now lurking!

Chikungunya: Virus outbreak in northern Italy-where the danger is now lurking!

The outbreak of the Chikungunya virus in northern Italy ensures concern. As reported oe24.at, the first local case was confirmed on August 6, 2025. Since then, 46 infections have been registered, all of them. The regions of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto are particularly affected, with the province of Verona considered a hotspot. Large disinfection measures take place here to contain the distribution.

The Italian Health Institute has found that over 200 people in Italy have Chikungunya and that German vacationers are also affected, but so far there have been no deaths. A risk is the transfer by the Asian tiger mosquito, which is particularly common in the cities of Bologna, Rimini, Parma, Venice and Verona. The Foreign Office warned travelers from the tiger mosquitoes and recommends mosquito repellent with deet or icaridin.

Symptoms and protective measures

The typical symptoms of the Chikungunya fever include suddenly high fever, severe joint pain, rashes, chills and headaches. The joint pain can last weeks, months or even years, which makes the disease particularly stressful. Older and immunocompromised people in particular are at risk and should be vaccinated into risk areas before the trip. According to [pharmacies Umschau] (https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/ Diskeep-symptome/infektungsheiten/chikungunya-fieberer--s-----Ubertraeger-113729.html), vaccination from the age of 12 for travelers in endemic areas is recommended.

The temporary cancellation of the age restriction for vaccines is discussed in order to enable older people to vaccination. In Germany, 75 chikungunya cases were registered between April and June 2025, all related to travel. There is a risk of the local transmission of the virus, even if this is unlikely.

Current situation and measures

Folk festivals have already been canceled in Verona to avoid larger crowds. In order to minimize the spread of the virus, the authorities also advise to avoid standing water, as this favors mosquito breeding grounds. The increasing number of cases in northern Italy are related to the elevated temperatures and milder winters that favor the mosquito population.

The Chikungunya virus is widespread in over 60 countries, including many African states and some regions of Asia and Europe. Since 2013, more cases have been documented in the Caribbean, South and Central America and the USA. In Europe there was a record number of disease transmissions through mosquitoes this year, which makes the situation in Italy even more worrying.

In order to control the spread of the virus, it is necessary to take extensive protection and prevention measures. The Italian health authorities rely on clarification and the provision of vaccines to protect the population.