Understanding Chikungunya Virus: Risks and Precautions for Australia

The World Health Organization has recently expressed concern over a surge in cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, which has led to outbreaks across various regions. Notably, the islands of La Réunion and Mayotte in the Indian Ocean experienced significant outbreaks between 2024 and 2025, with over 47,500 confirmed cases and 12 deaths reported in La Réunion alone. The virus has now been documented in more than 100 countries, including recent cases in Africa, Asia, and Europe, highlighting its expanding presence globally.

Chikungunya was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since spread extensively across tropical and subtropical regions. Its proliferation is partly driven by climate change, which creates favorable environments for mosquito breeding, particularly for species like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are day-bitters, mainly active during daylight hours, and are capable of transmitting not only chikungunya but also other diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.

In Australia, while local transmission of chikungunya has not yet been recorded, the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in parts of Queensland raises concerns about potential future risks. Historically, cases in Australia are mostly associated with recent travel to regions where the virus is endemic, with a steady increase in imported cases—42 cases in 2023, 70 in 2024, and 90 in 2025. Climate change and global travel continue to heighten the possibility of the virus reaching local mosquito populations.

The primary symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, and swelling, often accompanied by headache, rash, muscle pain, nausea, and fatigue. Although most individuals recover within weeks, some may experience prolonged joint pain and tiredness. There is no specific antiviral treatment; management focuses on relieving symptoms with medications like paracetamol.

To prevent infection, travelers to affected areas should wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, keep windows closed, and sleep under mosquito nets. Since there is no approved vaccine in Australia, avoiding mosquito bites remains the best defense. Monitoring symptoms after potential exposure and seeking medical attention for any illness is crucial.

Overall, the increasing presence of Aedes mosquitoes and the changing climate patterns underscore the importance of vigilance and preventative measures to guard against chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases in Australia.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-chikungunya-virus-australia.html