WHO warns of potential global outbreak of Chikungunya virus

(Web Desk): The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Tuesday about the potential for a major global outbreak of the chikungunya virus, stressing the urgent need for preventive measures.

The WHO stated that it is observing early warning signs similar to those seen two decades ago before a major outbreak. The organization emphasized its intent to avoid a repeat of that scenario.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever and severe joint pain, which can be extremely painful and, in some cases, life-threatening.

WHO expert Diana Rojas Alvarez noted, “Chikungunya is a disease that many people are still unaware of, yet it has already spread to and been reported in 119 countries, putting around 5.6 billion people at risk.”

She recalled that from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya outbreak affected the islands of the Indian Ocean and went on to infect over half a million people worldwide.

During a press briefing in Geneva, Rojas Alvarez said, “Today, the WHO is seeing the same pattern re-emerging. Since the beginning of 2025, major chikungunya outbreaks have been reported in Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius.”

She warned that nearly one-third of Réunion’s population could be at risk of infection.

According to WHO, chikungunya symptoms are similar to those of dengue and Zika viruses, making diagnosis more challenging.

Rojas Alvarez further stated that, as in the outbreak 20 years ago, the virus is spreading regionally to other countries including Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya. In South Asia, the virus continues to spread at epidemic levels.

Imported cases have also been reported in Europe, particularly from the Indian Ocean islands. France has confirmed local transmission, while suspected cases have emerged in Italy.