Chikungunya Virus Spreads Globally, Raising Public Health Concerns
A resurgence of teh Chikungunya virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, is posing a notable threat to global health, wiht the World Health Institution (WHO) drawing parallels to a major epidemic in 2004-2005 that affected nearly half a million people. The virus can lead to severe symptoms, including high fever, intense joint pain, and possibly long-term disability.
Global Distribution and Spread
The current outbreak, which began in early 2025, has seen substantial increases in cases on Indian Ocean islands such as Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, with a large portion of Réunion’s population already infected.The virus is now expanding its reach to mainland Africa, impacting countries like Madagascar, somalia, and Kenya, and has also been detected in Southeast Asia, with an epidemic occurring in India.
Of particular concern is the virus’s spread beyond these endemic regions. Europe is experiencing a rise in imported cases and instances of local transmission. france has reported approximately 800 imported Chikungunya cases since May 1st. Moreover, twelve cases of local transmission have been confirmed in southern France, indicating that individuals are contracting the virus from mosquitoes within the country, without recent travel to affected areas. Italy has also recently reported a case.
Prevention and Treatment
Chikungunya is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, including the Aedes albopictus, also known as the “tiger mosquito,” which is also responsible for transmitting dengue fever and Zika virus. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya. The virus has the potential to cause rapid and widespread epidemics. Consequently, prevention is paramount and involves measures such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing, as these mosquitoes are most active during the day.
