Bavaria has seen a significant increase in reported cases of the Chikungunya virus, according to recent data. As of Sunday, the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety has recorded 24 cases of the tropical infectious disease, a marked rise compared to the five cases reported during the same period last year.
The virus can cause high fever and severe joint and muscle pain, with rare instances of more severe complications. Infants under one year of age, elderly individuals and people with pre-existing medical conditions are considered particularly vulnerable.
While all reported infections in Germany to date have been linked to travel to risk areas, authorities acknowledge the potential for local transmission via the Asian tiger mosquito, a species increasingly present in Bavaria. Travelers to affected regions are advised to consider vaccination and consistently practice mosquito bite prevention measures.
Chikungunya infections remain relatively rare overall, but the number of cases among travelers returning to Germany has been increasing in recent years. Currently, two approved vaccines are available and the Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination for travelers aged twelve and over.