Thursday, September 6, 2007

Tropical Disease Spreading to Europe

"The Ministry of Health in Italy has confirmed about 160 cases of chikungunya in the Ravenna region in northern Italy.

Travellers have been advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

The European Centre for Disease Control urged pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses to seek medical advice before visiting the area.

The villages of Castiglione di Ravenna and Castiglione di Cervia have reported most of the cases.

The main symptoms of the patients were high fever and joint pain, as well as headache, muscle pain, rash and less frequently gastrointestinal symptoms."
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6981476.stm

This is quite disturbing. Does it mean that climate change has progressed to such a stage that tropical diseases are taking foot in Europe?

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