Traveling to France: A Review of Chikungunya Fever

Bordered by Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Spain, France is a unique travel destination for all international travelers. As the world's 40th largest country, the French population exceeds 63 million and this does not account for the international traveling population. With summer and winter seasons, France offers a unique vacation experience for families with children. However, it is imperative that every traveler, prior to vacationing to France, understand the health status of the French region in which travel will take place. With the recent outbreak of the Chikungunya Fever, understanding origin, symptoms, treatment and prevention of the illness will ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable vacation.

Chikungunya Fever, with recent outbreaks in France, is a mosquito hosted virus that is generally not fatal. When bitten by a mosquito, carrying the Chikungunya virus, the symptoms will generally not appear for two to 12 days at which point the Chikungunya Fever will begin with symptoms similiar to that of the influenza virus; fever, headache, vomiting, severe ache and rash which develops around the trunk, arms and legs. While fever is usually sporadic, lasting less than 48 hours, the various other Chikungunya Fever symptoms will continue for as long as a week, resulting in an unpleasant vacation in France. Unlike other mosquito borne diseases, Chikungunya Fever will usually resolve within this week however patients report the extreme fatigue symptoms generally lasting several weeks or months, further resulting in an unpleasant vacation possibly when returning home. In rare cases, joint pain may last for this extended period as well.

Unfortunately, when struck with Chikungunya Fever, there is no specific medication treatments available. Because a vaccine has not been approved for Cikungunya Fever, traveling to France will involve preparing for standard mosquito prevention. When infected with Chikungunya Fever, the standard treatment involves rest, plenty of water and an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or Naproxen. Aspirin should be avoided due to the blood thinning effects.

To prevent mosquito bites, while traveling in France, travelers should purchase and carry a mosquito repellent containing DEET and pack long sleeves and pants. Because DEET products should not be used on children less than three months of age, traveling to France with a small child is not recommended. The mosquito, believed to host the Chikungunya Fever virus, will most often strike during the sunrise and sunset periods of the day. To avoid infection, travelers to France should avoid moving about within the outdoors during these peak times of activity. If infected with the Chikungunya Fever virus, while vacationing in France, it is recommended the patient remain indoors in a well ventilated or air conditioned facility so as to improve the environment for the patient but also prevent additional mosquito interaction.

France is a beautiful country, full of adventure, beauty and history. When traveling as a family, or on a romantic vacation for two, ensuring the appropriate protection against mosquito borne illnesses will ensure a more safe and healthy vacation experience.