WHO Alerts About Growing Risk of a Global Chikungunya Epidemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the increasing threat of a widespread chikungunya virus outbreak worldwide, urging for immediate preventive measures. The WHO has observed warning signs similar to those seen during a significant outbreak two decades ago and aims to avoid a repeat of history.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily causing symptoms such as high fever and intense joint pain that can be severely disabling. In some cases, the infection can be fatal. Currently, the disease has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries, putting over 5.6 billion people at risk worldwide.

Historically, from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept through the Indian Ocean region, strongly affecting small island territories before spreading globally, infecting nearly half a million individuals. Today, similar patterns are emerging, with outbreaks reported in Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, where it's estimated that about one-third of the local population has already been infected.

The symptoms of chikungunya mirror those of dengue fever and Zika virus, making diagnosis challenging. The virus is spreading to new regions such as Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and epidemic transmission has also been noted in South Asia. In Europe, imported cases linked to outbreaks in the Indian Ocean islands have led to local transmissions in France, with suspected cases in Italy.

The WHO emphasizes that because transmission patterns have been consistent from past outbreaks, urgent action is necessary to prevent large-scale epidemics. Although the disease's case fatality rate is below 1%, the sheer number of infections could result in thousands of deaths. Early warning allows countries to prepare and implement strategies to control the spread.

Mosquito vectors, especially Aedes aegypti and the invasive Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito), are responsible for transmitting the virus. These mosquitoes tend to bite during daylight, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. Climate change has led to the expansion of their habitats farther north, increasing the risk of outbreaks in new regions.

Protective measures such as using mosquito repellents and eliminating standing water in containers are vital in reducing mosquito breeding sites. As the world warms, proactive efforts in mosquito control and public awareness are essential to curb the imminent threat of a chikungunya epidemic.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-alarm-chikungunya-epidemic.html