Virologist assessed the danger of chikungunya fever imported to Russia

Virologist Viktor Zuev assessed the danger of chikungunya fever imported to Russia — it was detected in a tourist who returned to Moscow after a vacation in the Seychelles.

In conversation with aif.ru On February 4, the specialist noted that chikungunya fever is dangerous, however, according to him, the Moscow system of epidemiology and microbiology is organized at a high level, therefore there is no threat of its spread. He noted that when the disease is detected, measures are being taken to promptly localize it, so there is no cause for concern.

Zuev recalled that the virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, therefore, in the areas of its spread, the main focus should be on protection from insects. He explained that the main symptoms of the disease include fever up to 40 degrees, weakness, nausea, headache and joint pain, while a characteristic feature of the infection is joint damage.

Speaking about prevention, the virologist emphasized the need to protect against infection vectors. He recommended wearing closed clothes with long sleeves, giving preference to trousers instead of shorts, and wearing hats with insect protectors.

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On February 4, Rospotrebnadzor reported that an imported case of chikungunya fever had been registered in the Russian Federation. The presence of the chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, was confirmed by Russian test systems, notes 360.ru . Rospotrebnadzor specialists have carried out all the necessary anti-epidemic measures, RT clarifies. According to experts, the risk of infection is assessed as minimal. The main danger of fever is severe joint pain, the website writes. kp.ru . They can last for years, and in some cases, the gradual destruction of joints can lead to disability.

A tourist who returned from the Seychelles, as noted by NSN, noticed mosquito bites during her vacation and did not use repellents.

Chikungunya fever is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and South Asia.‑East Asia, West‑The Pacific region, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent, according to the Moscow City News Agency.

In 2025, China recorded the largest outbreak of chikungunya fever in the last two decades. By early August, the number of confirmed cases had exceeded 10,000. In general, since the beginning of the year, about 240 thousand cases of infection have been reported worldwide in 16 countries, with 90 deaths reported, IA Regnum reports.

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