Travelers with Chikungunya Virus Infection Returning to Northwest Italy from the Caribbean and Central America during June-November 2014

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has recently emerged in the Caribbean. In Italy, CHIKV vector is documented in the Po river valley; therefore, a risk for autochthonous outbreaks is present. We report a case series of seven imported CHIKV infections in travelers returning from the Caribbean and Latin America occurring between June and November 2014, in the area of Turin, Northwest Italy, 3-years after the last imported cases were reported. These cases are a reminder of the need to always consider CHIKV infection in travelers from these epidemic areas as well as the importance of a prompt diagnosis.