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African Fever Has Spread to Europe
Experts from across Europe are meeting in Sweden to discuss the spread of Chikungunya fever to the continent from Africa.
Hosted by the Stockholm-based European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, or ECDC the only Europe Union agency based in Sweden, delegates are meeting to discuss measures to combat the emergence of the viral fever in Italy, after it spread from Africa where the disease is well-established.
Chikungunya fever is also common in parts of Southeast Asia.
Some 200 cases have been reported in Italy, claiming one death. The fever is carried by the Tiger mosquito, now found in parts of France, Greece, Italy and Spain.
Rising average temperatures in the Mediterranean region have helped the mosquito thrive further north.
Chikungunya fever is characterised by severe muscle pain, rashes and stomach conditions.
Experts from across Europe are meeting in Sweden to discuss the spread of Chikungunya fever to the continent from Africa.
Hosted by the Stockholm-based European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, or ECDC the only Europe Union agency based in Sweden, delegates are meeting to discuss measures to combat the emergence of the viral fever in Italy, after it spread from Africa where the disease is well-established.
Chikungunya fever is also common in parts of Southeast Asia.
Some 200 cases have been reported in Italy, claiming one death. The fever is carried by the Tiger mosquito, now found in parts of France, Greece, Italy and Spain.
Rising average temperatures in the Mediterranean region have helped the mosquito thrive further north.
Chikungunya fever is characterised by severe muscle pain, rashes and stomach conditions.