Suspected fatal case of Chikungunya in Venice

The local health authorities have reported a case of Chikungunya, transmitted by the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, in Spinea, Venice. The patient, a 70-year-old woman who fell ill after returning from a trip, was admitted to intensive care. She subsequently passed away at the hospital in Mestre. However, it is not confirmed that the infection was contracted abroad. Public health authorities have initiated a comprehensive pest control operation in the affected region to mitigate the potential risk. The most recent bulletin from the Institute of Health reports that from January 1 to July 11, 2024, the national surveillance system has detected five confirmed cases of Chikungunya. All cases are linked to international travel, and no fatalities have been reported.