title: [Cases of Chikungunya fever in Italy in travellers returning from the Indian Ocean and risk of introduction of the disease to Italy].
abstract: Chikungunya fever is a viral disease characterized by fever, arthralgia and rash. A large outbreak of Chikungunya fever began in 2005 in La Reunion, and it is still ongoing on many islands and countries of the Indian Ocean. Several cases have been detected in Europe in travellers returning from the affected areas. The disease is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, which are also widespread in Italy. We describe 7 cases of Chikungunya fever imported into Italy by travellers returning from affected countries. The current outbreak is described, and the risk of establishment of a chain of transmission in Italy is discussed.
authors: Dipartimento di Ricerca Sperimentale, INMI L. Spallanzani, Roma, Italy.
authors: Francesco Maria
authors: FM
authors: Fusco
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Puro
authors: Antonino
authors: A
authors: Di Caro
authors: Emanuele
authors: E
authors: Nicastri
authors: Novella
authors: N
authors: Carannante
authors: Francesco Saverio
authors: FS
authors: Faella
authors: Luisa
authors: L
authors: Barzon
authors: Simona
authors: S
authors: Di Cesare
authors: Giorgio
authors: G
authors: Palù
authors: Maria Rosaria
authors: MR
authors: Capobianchi
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Ippolito
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018354:Alphavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002646:Chikungunya virus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019156:Indian Ocean; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014195:Travel