The three tourists of the same family, from Iceland, were in the holiday resort between May 17 to May 31. The trio are the first confirmed cases in Spain. A 37-year-old woman became ill on June 1, and was diagnosed seven days later. She went to the emergency centre of a hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland, and proved positive for the chikungunya virus.
The test was negative for zika and dengue; the viruses which are considered more serious.
One of the woman’s sisters and her five-year-old son had similar symptoms, and were also confirmed as positive cases of chikungunya.
Symptoms of the virus can include fever, chills, joint pain and swelling, headaches, muscle pain, and a rash.
A test has been carried out on a fourth family member, a sister from Norway, which has not yet proved conclusive.
The health department has said that to date, there is no record of any other case of chikungunya in Valencia.
Nevertheless, the Ministry has “activated all the protocols and has taken the appropriate measures necessary to confirm any other outbreaks”.
The entomological surveillance team of the University of Valencia is in Alicante, carrying out inspections and taking samples.
The Centre for Public Health is liaising with Alicante city council in order to review the cases, as well as to look at other instances of those who have contracted a fever with an unknown origin.
The family from Iceland had been staying in a rented cottage in Alicante, with this location being the focus of the investigation.
Health chiefs have said they are confident Alicante was the source due to the incubation period before physical signs begin to show.
The mosquito insect was first identified in the country back in 2004, in San Cugat del Vallés, Spain.
They are currently found in the coastal area of Catalonia, in addition to a large part of Valencia, and other autonomous communities.
These mosquitos are usually found in houses, acting during the day – with the most activity being two hours after sunrise and several hours ahead of sunset.
It’s advised that those in the area install mosquito nets, wear long sleeves and tight trousers, and use specific repellent, in order to avoid bites.
The European Union has a Early Warning and Response System to ensure a rapid and effective response to events related to communicable diseases.
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