WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm regarding the spread of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, which is currently causing concern due to new outbreaks in Europe and other continents that are linked to the Indian Ocean region. The virus has affected nearly 5.6 billion people across 119 countries.


The current surge began in early 2025, with significant outbreaks in the previously hit Indian Ocean islands such as La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. The virus has also spread to countries like Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, with an epidemic transmission pattern observed in Southeast Asia, particularly in India.

The WHO is concerned about the increasing number of imported cases and local transmissions within Europe. France has reported around 800 imported cases since May 1, and there have been 12 local transmission episodes in southern regions, indicating that the virus is being spread by local mosquitoes. A case has also been detected in Italy. The lack of a specific treatment for chikungunya underscores the importance of preventive measures such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites.

The 2004-2005 chikungunya epidemic affected nearly half a million people initially in small island territories before it spread worldwide. The current situation echoes that event, prompting the WHO to call for immediate action to prevent a similar global health crisis. The virus is transmitted mainly by the Aedes mosquito species, which is also responsible for spreading dengue and Zika. It causes high fever and severe joint pain, often leading to long-term disability. The organization emphasizes the critical role of public health surveillance, mosquito control, and community engagement in containing the spread of the disease.