Increase in Chikungunya cases in Bavaria

Munich – In Bavaria, the number of cases of Chikungunya virus infections has increased due to infections abroad. Bavaria's Minister of Health and Prevention, Judith Gerlach (CSU), announced on Sunday that 24 cases of the tropical infectious disease have been reported to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety so far. In the same period last year, there were only five cases. "The virus can cause high fever and severe limb and muscle pain," Gerlach said. In rare cases, severe cases are also possible. "Infants within the first year of life, the elderly, and those with certain pre-existing medical conditions are particularly at risk." All reported infections in Germany so far have resulted from travel to high-risk areas, but transmission by the Asian tiger mosquito, which is also spreading in Bavaria, is fundamentally possible. The minister recommends that travelers get vaccinated in high-risk areas and take consistent mosquito protection measures. Chikungunya infections are rare overall, but the number of cases among returnees to Germany has increased in recent years. Two approved vaccines are available, and the Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination for travelers aged 12 and over.