[Chikungunya, a new global epidemic?]

Chikungunya virus, originating from Africa, hit the headlines in 2004 upon causing a large-scale epidemic. Typical symptoms of chikungunya virus infection include severe joint aches, high fever and skin rash. Increased incidence of neurologic symptoms was noted in connection with the epidemic of the recent years, and deaths were also reported. A single point mutation in the viral genome enabled an effective multiplication of the virus in a species of mosquito (Aedes albopictus) that was new to the virus. During the last decades, this species of mosquito has spread into Southern Europe, and the spreading is likely to continue.