Surveillance and updates for chikungunya virus disease

The likelihood of introduction of the virus to continental EU countries through viraemic travellers returning from endemic subtropical and tropical countries is high.

Since 2007, both France and Italy reported autochthonous transmission of chikungunya virus.  The report of a cluster of autochthonous chikungunya cases in an area of Europe where Aedes albopictus is established is not unexpected during summer and autumn months when environmental conditions are favourable for increased mosquito abundance and activity.