Update: November 30, 2007
In the summer of 2007, an outbreak of chikungunya fever was reported in the province of Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna region of North-Eastern Italy. As of November 22, 2007, a total of 204 cases were laboratory-confirmed. The outbreak has since been controlled: the last case developed symptoms on September 28, 2007 and no cases were confirmed in October. At this time, Ravenna is no longer considered to be an area of increased risk for contracting chikungunya fever. Source : Eurosurveillance
Chikungunya fever is a viral disease that is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Symptoms of infection, which generally last three to seven days, include the sudden onset of fever, headache, severe joint pain and rash.
Chikungunya is endemic in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian sub-continent, and in a number of islands of the Indian Ocean. Canadian travellers to these areas have contracted the disease.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers take personal protective measures to minimise their exposure to mosquito bites when travelling to tropical or sub-tropical regions, or to any area where mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, malaria or West Nile are transmitted.
Personal protective measures include:
applying a DEET-based insect repellent to exposed skin;
when possible, remaining in well-screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas during peak biting times; and
wearing light-coloured clothing with full-length pant legs and sleeves.
For comprehensive information on insect and other arthropod bite prevention, see the Statement on Personal Protective Measures to Prevent Arthropod Bites
As a reminder...
PHAC routinely recommends that Canadian-international travellers consult their personal physician or a travel clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of destination, for an individual risk assessment to determine their individual health risks and their need for vaccination, preventative medication, and personal protective measures.
PHAC recommends, as well, that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada should seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.
Additional information:
Chikungunya Information Sheet from the World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia: http://www.searo.who.int/en/section10/section2246.htm
