Three Icelandic tourists infected in Spain’s first recorded case of Chikungunya

Three people have been diagnosed with chikungunya after spending a few days’ holiday in Alicante. The Valencian Generalitat has activated a series of control measures after receiving the alert from Reykjavik, where the infected people are from. The tourists are members of the same family and are waiting for the results of a relative who lives in Norway and was also on vacation in the Valencian Community.

These are the first cases Chikungunya to have occurred in Spain. Experts had already warned of the risk of chikungunya and Zika due the Asian tiger mosquito having installed in almost all of Spain.

What is chikungunya and how does it affect us?

This is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly the well-known Asian tiger mosquito. Symptoms tend to be fever, chills, conjunctivitis, lower back pain and severe joint pains. The incubation period is 12 days and the affected person will not recover until one or two weeks later. In most cases this disease does not leave lasting problems, but in some cases can leave stiffness for up to 3 months after and between 3-10% of people infected can go on to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

No further cases at present

The Valencian Government ensures that as of this date there is no record of newly diagnosed cases. Despite this, they have decided to activate the control protocols in case any new cases emerge. A monitoring plan will be established in primary care centers (CAP) and the Hospital of Alicante.

Asian Tiger Mosquito

The Tiger Mosquito tiger was detected in Spain for the first time in Sant Cugat del Valles (Barcelona) in 2004. Today you can find on the entire Mediterranean coast and also in inland areas.

Tiger Mosquitoes are most active during the day. Being especially active during sunup and sunset. Recommendations include insect repellents, mosquito nets on windows and avoid short-sleeved clothing.

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