The first occurrence of the disease was described in Tanzania in 1952. Starting in 2004, intense outbreaks have been constantly reported in Africa, islands of the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific region, including Australia and Southeast Asia (India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). In 2007, the virus extended to Italy, where it produced an outbreak transmitted by Ae albopictus in the Emilia-Romagna region. Recent Chikungunya fever outbreaks have shown important impacts on Public Health, mainly in health services.

 Information Sheet: Chikungunya Fever (23 September 2010).