[Microbiological diagnosis of chikungunya virus in Spain (2006-2007): case detection in travelers].

Introduction: The chikungunya virus is a clear example of an emergent pathogen, as demonstrated by the important outbreaks reported in recent years on some islands in the Indian Ocean, on the Indian subcontinent, and in Italy. The autochthonous outbreak that took place in Europe has shown that the international health authorities were right in their concern about the possibility that this arbovirus could become established in countries with a temperate climate where the appropriate vectors circulate.

Methods: A total of 308 patients were studied to investigate symptoms consistent with infection by this virus occurring during their stay in, or after their return from, an endemic area.