Situation Overview

On august 18, 2025, health authorities (ATS) confirmed a case of Chikungunya in a tourist who had been staying in the Valle area of Como, Italy. In response, the Municipality of Como initiated an urgent and extensive disinfestation program to control the potential spread of the virus, primarily transmitted by the Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the tiger mosquito.

Disinfestation operations are scheduled for the nights of Tuesday, August 19th, Wednesday, August 20th, and Thursday, August 21st, 2025, between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM.Technicians will focus on the historic city center (ZTL) and surrounding areas, including the city walls, Valduce, villages, barracks, tangential roads, and Via Milano San Rocco. These operations will proceed regardless of weather conditions. More information is available on the official Municipality of Como website.

Citizen Recommendations During Disinfestation

Residents are urged to take the following precautions during the disinfestation operations:

• Avoid being present in the treated areas.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Bring inside any clothing or food items left outdoors.
• Cover bowls of water and children’s toys.
• Pet owners should keep animals indoors for at least two hours after treatment.

If accidental contact with the spraying solution occurs, thoroughly wash the affected area with water. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

About the Disinfestation Product

The disinfestation will utilize Cyper Barrier 5, a product based on cypermethrin, quadrmetrine, geranium, and PBO. These compounds are commonly used in mosquito control.

Medical Resources

For health emergencies related to potential exposure, contact the Antiviolen Center at Niguarda Hospital (02.66101029) or the Pope John XXIII Hospital in Bergamo (800.883300).

Chikungunya: Understanding the Virus

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). The name originates from a swahili word meaning “to walk bent over,” describing the debilitating joint pain characteristic of the illness.

Symptoms typically appear 3-7 days after infection and include high fever, severe joint pain (frequently enough limiting movement), headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and skin rash.While rarely fatal, Chikungunya can cause meaningful discomfort and lingering joint issues for weeks or even months.

The virus itself is not contagious from person to person. Transmission occurs only when a mosquito bites an infected individual and then bites another person.

Prevention and protection

The Municipality of Como emphasizes that prevention is the most effective defense against Chikungunya. Key preventative measures include:

• Installing mosquito nets on windows.
• Using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
• Wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Regularly emptying and cleaning containers that can collect stagnant water (saucers, bins, tires, etc.).
• Covering cisterns and wells.
• Maintaining clean gutters.

Active citizen participation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites is crucial to containing the virus’s spread.