Assessing the threat of chikungunya virus emergence in Australia

Elvina Viennet; Katrina Knope; Helen Faddy; Craig R Williams; David Harley

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Assessing the threat of chikungunya virus emergence in Australia

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Assessing the threat of chikungunya virus emergence in Australia

Elvina Viennet, Katrina Knope, Helen Faddy, Craig R Williams and David Harley

Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, Vol.37(2), pp.E136-E143

2013

PMID: 24168087

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Abstract

Chikungunya

importation

risk

travellers

Australia

vectors

viraemic cases

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a major threat to Australia given the distribution of competent vectors, and the large number of travellers returning from endemic regions. We describe current knowledge of CHIKV importations into Australia, and quantify reported viraemic cases, with the aim of facilitating the formulation of public health policy and ensuring maintenance of blood safety. Cases reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) from 2002 to 2012 were analysed by place, month of acquisition, and place of residence. Rates of chikungunya importation were estimated based on reported cases and on the numbers of short-term movements. Between 2002 and 2012, there were 168 cases of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) imported into Australia. Victoria and New South Wales had the largest number of notifications. The main sources were Indonesia, India and Malaysia. The number of cases increased from 2008 to reach a peak in 2010 (n=64; 40%). Although Indonesia accounted for the majority of CHIKV notifications in Australia, travel from India had the highest CHIKV importation rate (number of imported cases per 100,000 travellers). The Australian population is increasingly at risk from CHIKV. Arrivals from endemic countries have increased concurrently with vector incursions via imported goods, as well as via local movement from the Torres Strait to North Queensland ports. An outbreak of CHIKV could have a significant impact on health, the safety of the blood supply and on tourism. Case and vector surveillance as well as population health responses are crucial for minimising any potential impact of CHIKV establishment in Australia.

Details

Title: Assessing the threat of chikungunya virus emergence in Australia
Authors: Elvina Viennet (Author) - Australian National University
Katrina Knope (Author) - Department of Health and Aged Care
Helen Faddy (Author) - Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Craig R Williams (Author) - University of South Australia
David Harley (Author) - Australian National University
Publication details: Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, Vol.37(2), pp.E136-E143
Publisher: Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing
Date published: 2013
ISSN: 1445-4866; 1447-4514
PMID: 24168087
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; School of Health; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99477805402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Infectious Diseases

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