First detection of Sindbis virus disease acquired in Germany

For the first time, a Sindbis virus disease acquired in this country was detected in a person in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin said that a 60-year-old man from Baden-Württemberg was affected. Antibodies that indicated a previous infection were found years ago in blood donors from the Weinheim area. The virus had previously been detected in mosquitoes there. Now, for the first time, there has been evidence of a direct connection with the disease.

The current case confirms that if it is known to occur in mosquitoes and wild birds, cases in humans can also be expected, the RKI said. In patients with fever, rash and severe joint pain during mosquito season, a possible Sindbis virus infection should also be considered when making the diagnosis.

The Sindbis virus (SINV) is a pathogen that circulates primarily in birds and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is found in parts of Northern Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, among other places. Human-to-human transmission is not known. If an infected mosquito bites a person, they can get what is known as Sindbis fever. Typical symptoms include sudden fever, itchy rash and severe joint pain. The symptoms are similar to those of a chikungunya virus disease.

Sindbis fever is not considered life-threatening. The rash and fever usually subside within one to two weeks, but the joint pain can last for many weeks or even months and make everyday life difficult. There is no special treatment for the virus; the symptoms are alleviated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. The main way to prevent mosquitoes is to use good mosquito repellent: long clothing, mosquito spray and mosquito nets.

According to the RKI, the man in Baden-Württemberg fell ill on July 12th. Because he lives in a district with established populations of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), the treating doctors first had him tested for a possible chikungunya infection. The investigation was then expanded to include SINV, among other things - in the course of which proof was provided in September.