Chikungunya Alert in Grosseto Following Imported Case
A health emergency has been declared in a specific area of Grosseto, Italy, following the confirmation of an imported case of the chikungunya virus.The case, involving a foreign national, came to light after the individual was admitted to Misericordia hospital at the end of October experiencing after-effects from a tiger mosquito ( Aedes Albopictus) bite received outside of Italy.
The South East Tuscany Local Health Authority reported the case to the mayor, prompting a public proclamation and subsequent preventative measures. Dr. Giorgio Briganti, director of the prevention department, explained that chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by the tiger mosquito, characterized by fever, headache, and severe joint pain – the origin of the name, derived from a Makonde language term meaning “that which bends” or “writhes.”
According to the latest national bulletin (reported last Monday), Italy has seen 398 cases of chikungunya in 2025, with 45 being imported and 353 originating within the country, especially in outbreaks centered around Emilia-Romagna (Modena, Bologna) and Verona. The Grosseto case marks the eighth imported case identified in tuscany this year.
Dr. Briganti noted the virus has an incubation period ranging from three to twelve days, with an average of seven to eight. Based on this, the individual’s infection likely occurred between October 18th and 25th. A key concern is the potential for local transmission, as a single tiger mosquito bite can infect others within a 200-meter radius.
In response, the mayor has issued an ordinance aligned with national and regional arbovirus surveillance plans, mandating targeted disinfestation efforts. The affected area is specifically defined as: via Orcagna between numbers 116 and via Marsiliana; the section of via Orcagna south of number 116 to its passable end; and the portion of via Marsiliana up to its intersection with via Palazzoli.
Disinfestation will focus on several key locations including a construction site at via marsiliana 13, the area between via Marsiliana and via Palazzoli (owned by Immobiliare Vichi), and the hedges and changing room area of the “Simone Scarpelli” baseball field.The goal is to rapidly reduce the tiger mosquito population in areas frequented by the patient, minimizing the risk of autochthonous (locally acquired) transmission.
The disinfestation will employ both adulticidal and larvicidal insecticides on both public and private land, alongside “door-to-door” inspections to identify and eliminate larval breeding sites.Residents, property managers, and business operators within the designated area are legally obligated to allow access to disinfestation workers. Misericordia hospital has also been instructed to disinfest its surrounding green spaces, squares, and parking areas.
Precautions are also being advised for five beekeepers operating within a 300-meter radius of the treatment area. Residents are urged to remain indoors with windows and doors closed during treatments, suspend air exchange systems, keep pets inside, and protect food and water sources for animals. Garden produce should be brought indoors or covered with plastic sheeting.
