Mosquito carrying a map of Italy, highlighting the Latium region.

Chikungunya Outbreak in Italy: What You Need to Know

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new cluster of autochthonous chikungunya virus has been identified in Italy's Latium region, raising concerns about the spread of this mosquito-borne disease. Here's what you need to know to stay informed and protected."

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is back in the news with a localized transmission confirmed in the Latium region of Italy. Two related clusters have emerged in the cities of Anzio and Rome, marking the second known autochthonous outbreak of CHIKV in Italy. The first occurred in 2007 in the Emilia Romagna region.

Between these two Italian epidemics, other transmissions were reported in France in 2010, 2014, and 2017, highlighting the ongoing concern about this infection. The primary culprit? The Aedes albopictus mosquito, which has established itself across the Mediterranean basin and beyond.

Currently, Aedes albopictus is assumed to be the vector in the Italian outbreak, as Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are not present in the country. The Laboratory of Virology of Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease (INMI) in Rome, is responsible for CHIKV diagnosis and surveillance in the Latium region.

Decoding the Chikungunya Outbreak: Key Facts & Prevention

Mosquito carrying a map of Italy, highlighting the Latium region.

CHIKV diagnosis relies on detecting the viral genome via real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and identifying virus-specific antibodies through serologic tests. Scientists analyze endpoint PCR amplicons from selected patients to confirm the virus's identity, verified by real-time RT-PCR, and attempt virus isolation whenever possible.

The initial case identified at INMI was a resident of Anzio (60 km from Rome) with no recent travel history. Admitted on August 30, 2017, with suspected measles, hospital staff later suspected an arboviral disease. Serologic tests confirmed chikungunya on September 5, leading to the official outbreak notification on September 8, 2017.

Symptoms: Fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Seek Medical Attention: If you develop symptoms of chikungunya, see your doctor.

As of September 26, 2017, 183 CHIKV infections were reported (109 confirmed and 74 probable), indicating an extensive outbreak. Backtracing of cases is underway to understand its full extent.

Genetic Insights and Future Research

Genetic sequencing reveals the virus in the Latium outbreak belongs to the East/Central/South African (ECSA) clade, similar to the 2007 Italy outbreak. However, the current sequences fall into a separate branch, suggesting a more recent origin. Unlike the 2007 outbreak, the E1 sequences from the ongoing outbreak lack the A226V mutation. Further research will explore the implications of this and other genetic signatures.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3201/eid2401.171605, Alternate LINK

Title: Molecular Characterization Of Autochthonous Chikungunya Cluster In Latium Region, Italy

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Authors: Licia Bordi, Fabrizio Carletti, Eleonora Lalle, Francesca Colavita, Silvia Meschi, Antonino Di Caro, Emanuele Nicastri, Paola Scognamiglio, Francesco Vairo, Domenico Di Lallo, Vincenzo Panella, Maria R. Capobianchi, Giuseppe Ippolito, Concetta Castilletti

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and why is it a concern in Italy?

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus that has caused a localized outbreak in the Latium region of Italy. This is concerning because it marks the second known autochthonous outbreak of CHIKV in Italy, with the first occurring in 2007 in the Emilia Romagna region. The virus is transmitted primarily by the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which is now widespread across the Mediterranean basin. The ongoing outbreaks in Italy, along with previous transmissions in France, highlight the persistent risk of CHIKV in the region. Since the Aedes aegypti mosquito is not present, Aedes albopictus is assumed to be the main vector

How is Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) diagnosed during the outbreak in the Latium region?

CHIKV diagnosis in the Latium region relies on detecting the viral genome using real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Additionally, virus-specific antibodies are identified through serologic tests. Scientists also analyze endpoint PCR amplicons from selected patients to confirm the virus's identity, which is verified by real-time RT-PCR. The Laboratory of Virology of Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease (INMI) in Rome, is responsible for CHIKV diagnosis and surveillance in the Latium region, and attempts virus isolation when possible.

What are the main symptoms of Chikungunya and how can I prevent infection?

The symptoms of Chikungunya include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Prevention strategies involve using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to minimize mosquito bites, and controlling mosquito populations both indoors and outdoors. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.

How does the genetic analysis of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the recent Latium outbreak compare to the 2007 outbreak in Italy?

Genetic sequencing reveals that the virus in the recent Latium outbreak belongs to the East/Central/South African (ECSA) clade, similar to the 2007 Italy outbreak. However, the current sequences fall into a separate branch, suggesting a more recent origin. Furthermore, unlike the 2007 outbreak, the E1 sequences from the ongoing outbreak lack the A226V mutation. These genetic differences suggest distinct transmission dynamics and origins, which are areas of ongoing research. Understanding these differences could help refine prevention and control strategies.

What is the significance of the Aedes albopictus mosquito in the spread of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Italy?

The Aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is the primary vector for transmitting Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Italy. This mosquito species has established itself across the Mediterranean basin and beyond, making it a key factor in the spread of CHIKV. The absence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Italy means that Aedes albopictus is assumed to be the main vector in the Italian outbreak. Its widespread presence and adaptability contribute significantly to the ongoing risk of CHIKV transmission. Further research will explore the implications of this and other genetic signatures.