STIKO Advises Chikungunya Vaccination for Travelers to Italy and Other Outbreak Zones
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) in Germany has issued crucial recommendations for travelers. It advises vaccination against the Chikungunya virus for individuals aged 12 and over visiting countries with active outbreaks, including regions in Italy where cases are currently high.
The Chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, which is now present in 16 European countries. Local transmissions have occurred in Southern Europe, with Italy, France, and Spain reporting cases. In Italy alone, 364 cases have been recorded so far in 2023, with most being locally acquired (323).
Symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection include sudden fever, severe joint pain, headache, rash, and fatigue. The virus can lead to life-threatening complications in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The Asian tiger mosquito is also spreading in Germany, affecting regions like Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia.
STIKO's recommendation emphasizes the importance of vaccination for travelers to areas with current outbreaks. With the Asian tiger mosquito spreading and local transmissions occurring in Europe, awareness and protection against the Chikungunya virus are crucial.
