Severe chikungunya infection in a returned traveler from Sri Lanka to Australia

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2026 Open access

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Authors: Nicholas Malcolm, Ralph M. H. G. Huits, Davidson Howes Hamer, Karin Leder, Chuan K. Lim, Stephen Muhi
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2026.102969
Cited by: 0
References: 15

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an Aedes-transmitted alphavirus that causes explosive outbreaks of febrile arthritogenic disease. We report a case of chikungunya meningoencephalitis, severe thrombocytopenia and retroperitoneal hemorrhage in an immunocompetent 64-year-old Australian traveler, returning from Sri Lanka in 2025. The infecting strain clustered with the Indian Ocean Lineage that circulated in Sri Lanka during the 2024-2025 outbreak. We highlight the risk of severe chikungunya in travelers returning from destinations with ongoing outbreaks.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Mosquito-borne diseases and control Viral Infections and Vectors Travel-related health issues

Publication details

Journal / source
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
Volume
71
Pages
102969–102969
Publication date
11 March 2026
Language
EN