A 56-year-traditional woman is being treated for Chikungunya, a tropical virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes. She is currently receiving supportive care, and her condition is stable, health officials report.
The patient, who returned to Italy from Cuba in late January, had been experiencing high fever, headache, and severe joint pain with limited movement for several days before seeking medical attention. She is hospitalized in the infectious diseases unit at the Vasto hospital.
According to the local health authority, ASL Lanciano Vasto Chieti, What we have is an imported case and there is no risk of contagion to the public. The virus is not spread person-to-person, but through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no public health risk.
Chikungunya is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense joint pain, and headache. It is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. Currently, Cuba is experiencing an epidemic with approximately 50,000 cases.
Medical professionals are reminding travelers to countries where the virus is present to take precautions against mosquito bites. These include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in screened environments. This case highlights the importance of preventative measures when traveling to endemic regions.
The health authority emphasized the need to implement all recommended measures to protect against insect bites that can transmit potentially serious infections when traveling to endemic countries: employ insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, and stay in environments protected by mosquito nets.
