Autochthonous #chikungunya virus (CHIKV) #outbreak in province of #Modena, Emilia-Romagna region, #Italy, August to October 2025: #epidemiology, clinical features and virological findings

 

Abstract

Between 10 August and 31 October 2025, 343 cases (306 confirmed and 37 probable) of symptomatic autochthonous chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection were notified in eight municipalities in the province of Modena, Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy. The infection was diagnosed by detection of CHIKV RNA in blood and urine samples, and by detection of IgM antibodies against CHIKV. Most common symptoms were arthralgia (n = 326) and fever (n = 317). No fatalities were reported. Chikungunya virus RNA was detected in 39 (14.8%) of 263 pools of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, thereby confirming local vector-borne transmission. Sequences from 11 case samples and two mosquito pools were whole genome sequenced. The viral strain belonged to the East/Central/South African (ECSA) lineage 2 and was closely related to the strains circulating in Reunion Island in 2024–25. The public health response included rapid vector control measures, reinforced epidemiological surveillance and multidisciplinary coordination between public health authorities and clinicians, laboratories and entomologists. This was one of the largest autochthonous CHIKV outbreaks ever recorded in a temperate European region. It highlights the critical importance of integrated, multidisciplinary preparedness and response for arboviral threats in non-endemic areas.

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Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.36.2500962

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#Surveillance and #control efficacy of the Bergerac, #France, 2025 #chikungunya #outbreak

 

Abstract

The spread of the highly invasive mosquito, Aedes albopictus, across Europe, combined with climate change and human travel and trade, has led to new epidemic threats from mosquito-borne viruses, most significantly dengue and chikungunya, which are increasing in frequency and magnitude. In 2025, mainland France has seen a record number of autochthonous cases and outbreaks of chikungunya, spread across multiple locations, primarily introduced by travellers from the French Overseas Territory of La Réunion which is experiencing severe chikungunya outbreaks. Here, we describe one of the largest French outbreaks and subsequent control measures in the city of Bergerac, Dordogne, which resulted in 102 cases as of 5th November 2025. We apply a climate-driven mathematical model for Ae. albopictus and chikungunya virus transmission to the Bergerac 2025 outbreaks, comparing outputs to case data. The model suggests that the initial control measures in the first four weeks after the discovery of the outbreak, limited in their intervention radius and intensity, had little effect on reducing the number of cases, given the high incidence and the wide geographic extent of viral circulation. However, subsequent more widespread and intense control efforts, combined with likely increased public awareness, substantially reduced case numbers. These findings underscore the need to tailor control measures to intensity and scale of viral circulation combined with effective preventive and proactive arbovirus surveillance. Adulticides combined with public awareness campaigns can be effective for public health protection and are an important part of mitigating against the risk of Aedes-borne arboviruses and the ongoing outbreaks in mainland France.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0014184

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