Chikungunya, suspected case in Ravenna

The Romagna Local Health Authority has identified a suspected case of Chikungunya infection in Lugo, in the province of Ravenna, Italy. The case is linked to a man who has recently returned from abroad. The individual has not been hospitalised and is currently receiving treatment at home. In light of the suspected case, the authorities have ordered the implementation of a rigorous disinfestation programme in a major urban area. It is a precautionary measure pending laboratory confirmation. The relevant authorities have assured that, in the absence of laboratory confirmation of the virus in a patient who has shown symptoms, treatment will be promptly discontinued. This is due to its potential toxicity for useful insects, which are not the intended target.