An imported case of chikungunya fever has been recorded in Russia, according to the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. The patient contracted the infection while on vacation in the Seychelles. Upon returning to Moscow, she was hospitalized.

“During the vacation, she noted mosquito bites and did not use repellents… A positive result for the presence of the chikungunya virus was obtained using domestic highly sensitive test systems,” the agency’s statement said.

The agency added that the risk of the infection spreading within Russia is minimal, as it is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and not directly from person to person.

The agency noted that its specialists are prepared for such situations. They warned that tourists planning to visit endemic regions need to protect themselves from insect bites. The disease is prevalent in countries of sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific region, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent.

Symptoms of the fever include high temperature (up to 40 °C), headache, as well as muscle and joint pain.

Read more about chikungunya fever.

Russia

Russia is the world’s largest country by area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its history is marked by the rise and fall of the Tsarist Empire, the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution that established the Soviet Union, and its re-emergence as the Russian Federation in 1991. It is renowned for its vast landscapes, rich literary and artistic traditions, and iconic cultural sites like the Kremlin in Moscow and the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, founded in 1147. Historically the political and cultural heart of the Russian state, it is famed for landmarks like the Kremlin—a historic fortress and political center—and Red Square, which have witnessed centuries of tsarist, Soviet, and modern Russian history.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, first settled by the French in the 18th century after being noted by earlier Portuguese explorers. It later became a British colony before gaining independence in 1976. Today, it is renowned for its pristine beaches, unique biodiversity like the Coco de Mer palm, and its vibrant Creole culture.

sub-Saharan Africa

“Sub-Saharan Africa” refers to the vast region of the African continent south of the Sahara Desert, encompassing diverse countries, cultures, and ecosystems. Historically, it was home to powerful ancient kingdoms and empires like Mali, Great Zimbabwe, and the Kingdom of Aksum, which thrived on trade, agriculture, and innovation long before European colonization. Today, it is a region of immense cultural richness, rapid development, and complex post-colonial histories.

Central and South America

Central and South America encompass a vast region with a rich history of ancient civilizations, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca empires. Following European colonization in the 16th century, the area saw the blending of indigenous, European, and African cultures. Today, it is known for its diverse nations, vibrant traditions, and significant archaeological sites like Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a diverse region comprising 11 countries, known for its rich history shaped by ancient kingdoms, major trade routes, and colonial influences. Culturally, it is a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions with significant impacts from Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Western civilizations. Key historical sites include the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia and the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia, reflecting the region’s deep historical and religious heritage.

Western Pacific region

The Western Pacific region, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses diverse nations and territories from China and Japan to the Pacific Islands. Historically, it has been a crossroads of ancient trade, migration, and colonial empires, leading to a rich fusion of indigenous, Asian, and Western cultures. Today, it is a dynamic area of significant economic growth and profound cultural heritage, from the Great Wall of China to the traditional seafaring cultures of Polynesia.

Arabian Peninsula

The Arabian Peninsula is a vast region in Southwest Asia, historically significant as the birthplace of Islam and a major crossroads for ancient trade routes. Its history is deeply tied to nomadic Bedouin cultures and the rise of powerful empires and caliphates, which were fueled by its strategic location. In the modern era, the discovery of massive petroleum reserves in the 20th century transformed its nations into globally influential economic powers.