First tropical virus in Germany: Chikungunya and his dangers!

First tropical virus in Germany: Chikungunya and his dangers!

What buzzes through the air in Baden-Württemberg? In the past few weeks, concern for the Chikungunya virus, a tropical virus that was previously less well known than its relatives Dengue and yellow fever. In cities such as Freiburg, Karlsruhe and Mannheim, the Asian tiger mosquitoes, which act as the virus carrier, are already at home. A first case near the Baden-Württemberg border was recently registered in Alsace, which made the alarm bells ring.
according to Zeit causes the chikungunya fever alarming symptoms such as high fever and severe pain in joints and muscles. The name of the virus in the Makonde language in Tanzania means "the curved", which indicates the characteristic complaints.

But not everything is black. Despite the dangers, the risk of massive virus spread in Germany is currently to be assessed as low. However, this could change because warmer weather could favor the spread of tiger mosquitoes. Returners from risk areas such as Mauritius or La Réunion should therefore see a doctor for caution in the event of symptoms.

The new vaccines against Chikungunya

In order to prevent the threat of a serious outbreak, the European Pharmaceutical Agency (EMA) recently recommended the approval of the first vaccine against Chikungunya. This vaccine, Ixchiq, comes from the Biotech company Valneva, such as mdr . Ixchiq is administered in a single dose and offers several years of protection.

According to the information from Aponet , the vaccine has shown a high level of effectiveness in clinical studies. Around 99 percent of the vaccinated antibodies developed within two weeks. For most people, the infection subsides within a few days if they get infected, but joint pain can remain for a long time, which in particular hits older people and pregnant women.

The discussion about vaccines was initiated by reports on side effects that caused around 32 % of the vaccinated headache and fatigue, but were mild in most cases. In Germany, Ixchiq® is now available for adults aged 18 and over, while another vaccine, Vimkunya®, could soon be available for young people aged 12 and over.

FAZIT: Safety is going on

In the current situation, it is particularly important to take preventive measures. Mosquitoes with deet or icaridine, light clothing and mosquito nets are essential, especially for travelers in tropical regions. Eliminating breeding grounds, such as standing water, should also be part of the daily routine. The health authorities do well to raise awareness of Chikungunya so that summer in Baden-Württemberg is not overshadowed by a tropical virus.