A case of Chikungunya in Como was ascertained, against a tourist who stayed in the Valle area. ATS immediately informed the Municipality, which prepared an urgent extraordinary disinfestation intervention to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
On the nights of Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August 2025, from 01.00 to 05.00, the technicians will operate in the ZTL and in the neighboring areas: city walls, Valduce, villages, barracks, tangential and via Milano San Rocco. The intervention will also be carried out in the event of bad weather. This is the official page of the Municipality.
Recommendations to citizens
During the operations it is essential not to stop in the areas concerned, keep the doors and windows closed, collect lying clothes and outdoor food, cover bowls and children’s games. Those who own animals must keep them away from the areas treated for at least two hours after the passage of the vehicles.
In case of accidental contact with the spraying solution it is necessary to wash abundantly with water and contact a doctor if the symptoms persist. The product used is Cyper Barrier 5, based on cipermetrin, quadrmetrine, geranium and pbo. For health emergencies you can contact the Antiviolen Center of the Niguarda hospital (02.66101029) or that of the Pope John XXIII hospital in Bergamo (800.883300).
The administration also invites to actively collaborate: regularly empty sauces, bins, dry and other stagnant water containers, cover cisterns and wells, keep cleaning and gutters clean, do not leave tires or inflatable games full of water. The goal is to minimize the outbreaks of proliferation of the tiger mosquito, the main vector of the virus.
What is chikungunya and symptoms
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes (in particular the tiger mosquito). After an average incubation of 3-7 days, it occurs with high fever and very intense joint pain, which can limit movements. Other frequent symptoms are headache, tiredness, muscle pain and skin rash.
The name itself derives from the term Swahili “what curves” or “twisted”, precisely because of the folded attitude that patients assume because of the pains. The disease is usually not fatal, but it can be very debilitating and in some cases joint disorders last for weeks. Chikungunya virus is not contagious and spreads only when an infected person comes from a mosquito who then in turn punishes other people.
Prevention and protection
The Municipality of Como recalls that the best defense is prevention: mosquito nets on windows, skin repellents, long trousers and sleeves in the hours more at risk (dawn and sunset). Only with the active collaboration of citizens will it be possible to contain the risk of spreading the virus in the area.
