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Trends in Imported Chikungunya Virus Infections in Germany, 2006-2009Archived

ECDC comment

As parts of Germany are considered potential colonization areas for A. albopictus, monitoring the trends of Chikungunya importation to Germany is a prerequisite for early detection of potential autochthonus cases.

Frank C, Schöneberg I, Stark K.Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2011 Mar 31.

Description: The authors analyzed 152 cases of symptomatic Chikungunya virus infections that were notified in the years 2006 through 2009 in Germany for travel characteristics and demographic factors. All infections were imported from outside Europe. India, Mauritius and the Maldives were the most frequently named countries of infection, corresponding to the outbreak situation in these travel destinations. The median duration of travel was 19.5 days; both sexes were affected, with a median age of 46 years. 20% of the reported cases were hospitalized for a median duration of 7 days. The authors suggest that the rather high median age may be explained due to more severe disease courses in older patients leading to notification, while mild cases in younger patients may be underdiagnosed.

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Public Health Significance: As parts of Germany are considered potential colonization areas for A. albopictus, monitoring the trends of Chikungunya importation to Germany is a prerequisite for early detection of potential autochthonus cases. An entomological surveillance of this invasive mosquito species in suitable habitats where it may colonize needs to be implemented in the EU. From data provided by entomologists, VBORNET produces updated maps of A. albopictus distribution in the EU. In 2010 A. albopictus was not established in Germany.

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