Health authorities have confirmed a case of Chikungunya in a Fontvieille resident, marking a rare appearance of the mosquito-borne illness in Monaco. While the infection is not believed to have been contracted within the Principality, the government is moving swiftly to reinforce its preventive strategy.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. It causes high fever, severe joint pain, fatigue and rashes. Although rarely life-threatening, its symptoms can be highly debilitating, with joint discomfort sometimes lasting for months.
As part of precautionary measures, the government has announced that a mosquito control operation will be carried out in Fontvieille during the night of Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th September between 2am and 4am. Residents are asked to keep windows closed and avoid going outdoors during this timeframe, while visitors are advised to stay away from the district.
According to officials, epidemiological analysis indicates the infection originated outside Monaco. Weekly monitoring of local mosquito populations has never detected the Chikungunya virus or other pathogens in Monaco.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti