Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the Alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae (Arbovirus).

After an incubation period of 3-12 days, flu-like symptoms may occur, with high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache and, above all, severe joint pain (hence the name chikungunya, which in Swahili means “to become contorted”), due to which patients tend to remain absolutely motionless and assume positions to ease the pain.

In some cases, the clinical picture includes an itchy maculopapular skin rash, with possible benign haemorrhagic characteristics (petechiae, ecchymoses, epistaxis, and gingivorragiae). Generally, all symptoms disappear spontaneously, usually within a few days, although joint pain may persist for many months.

More serious complications are rare and may be of a haemorrhagic or neurological nature, especially in children. In very rare cases, mostly in elderly individuals with underlying diseases, Chikungunya can be fatal.

Update August 30, 2024
Following the report by the European Center Disease and Control – ECDC of confirmed indigenous human cases of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in the French Department of Reunion, it is recommended to:

  • strengthen surveillance measures on possible imported cases by activating surveillance
    history of the blood donor who traveled to an area affected by the virus;
  • apply a 28 days temporary suspension starting from the return date for donors who have
    stayed in the area where confirmed indigenous cases of CHIKV infection were recorded;
  • Apply the 120 days temporary suspension from the resolution of symptoms for i
    donors with a positive history of CHIKV infection (documented infection or appearance
    of symptoms compatible with CHIKV infection);
  • Ask donors to inform the competent transfusion service if symptoms compatible with CHIKV infection should occur or in case of diagnosis of CHIKV infection
    in the 14 days following the donation (post donation information).



Decrees (Italian Text)
Circolare CNS del 30 agosto 2024
Circolare CNS del 26 febbraio 2024
Circolare CNT del 23 febbraio 2024

For more info:
Ministero della Salute – Malattie trasmesse da vettori
ISS – Portale EpiCentro
WHO – Fact Sheets: Chikungunya
CDC – Chikungunya

In Italy, the spread of this virus is monitored by specific programs, as indicated by the “National Plan for prevention, surveillance and response to Arbovirosis (PNA) 2020-2025” (Rep. Acts n. 1/CSR of 15 January 2020).