Here’s a rewritten version of the article, focusing on clarity and conciseness while retaining the key information:
Chikungunya Virus Spreading: WHO Warns of Potential Epidemic
The World Health Institution (WHO) is on alert due to the rapid spread of the Chikungunya virus, a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes. While cases have been confirmed, increased international travel raises concerns about further introductions.
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects:
Chikungunya typically causes fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, and extreme exhaustion, usually subsiding within one to two weeks. However, up to 40% of infected individuals experience lingering problems for months or even years. the virus poses a greater risk to chronically ill individuals, pregnant women, and infants.The Asian tiger mosquito is a primary vector for the virus.
Global outbreaks and Historical Context:
The WHO’s concern stems from the virus’s ability to spread quickly in populations with low immunity. Islands like La Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius have reported important outbreaks, with La Réunion seeing a third of its population infected in a short period. This mirrors a large Chikungunya epidemic in 2004-2005, which affected half a million people globally. The WHO urges countries to implement mosquito control measures,including mosquito nets.
Spread to Europe and Germany:
The proliferation of the tiger mosquito and rising temperatures are facilitating the virus’s entry into Europe. While most cases have been linked to travel to affected regions, locally transmitted infections are increasing in the Mediterranean. A local infection was recently detected near the French city of Strasbourg, close to the german border.
In Germany, tiger mosquitoes are prevalent in Baden-Württemberg and the Rhine-Main area, with isolated occurrences in Bavaria, Thuringia, Berlin, and North Rhine-Westphalia, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
Vaccination and Origin:
Two vaccines, Ixchiq and Vimkunya, have been approved in Germany. Ixchiq is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency due to reports of serious side effects in some older individuals. The name “Chikungunya” originates from a Tanzanian language and means “to become contorted,” referring to the posture of those suffering from severe joint pain. The disease was first described in Tanzania in the early 1950s.
