A serious health warning is now being issued worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded an early alarm about the growing risk of a global chikungunya epidemic, a viral disease many have barely heard of, yet one that has already infected millions in the past and is now gaining pace once again.According to WHO’s Diana Rojas Alvarez, the early warning signs today are similar to those that preceded the explosive 2004-2005 chikungunya outbreak, which spread rapidly from small island nations to large populations across the globe. This time, the virus is making a strong comeback in Indian Ocean islands, parts of Africa, South Asia, and even parts of Europe.Here’s all we need to know about what this warning truly means, what happens during chikungunya infection, who needs to be more cautious, and what steps can truly help reduce the risk.
Understanding Chikungunya: Not just another fever
Chikungunya is generally mistaken for dengue or Zika due to its overlapping symptoms, but it comes with its own set of severe challenges. Caused by the chikungunya virus, this disease spreads through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes known to transmit dengue and Zika.What sets chikungunya apart is the intensity of joint pain it causes. The word itself comes from a Makonde language and means “to become contorted,” referring to the stooped posture of patients due to unbearable joint stiffness. In most cases, the illness lasts 7–10 days, but in some, joint pain can linger for months or even years, mimicking arthritis.
Symptoms: What really happens when infected?
WHO confirms that chikungunya symptoms generally appear 4 to 8 days after being bitten. These include:
- Sudden high fever
- Debilitating joint pain (especially in the hands and feet)
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Swelling of joints
In rare cases, eye, heart, or neurological complicationsWhat remains hidden is the long-term burden this disease can place on individuals, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Joint pain that persists for months isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s disabling.
Who is most at risk, and why it matters now more than ever
As per WHO’s latest assessment, 5.6 billion people across 119 countries are now at risk. This includes not only tropical regions but also parts of Europe and Asia, where the so-called tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is expanding due to climate change.The risk is especially high among:
- Elderly individuals, who are more prone to long-term joint complications
- Newborns, if infected during childbirth
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals in densely populated urban areas, where mosquito breeding thrives
Recent data from La Réunion suggests nearly one-third of its population has already been infected in 2025 alone. With local transmission now occurring in France and Italy, the virus is no longer a distant tropical concern.
How the virus spreads: Not through contact, but mosquitoes
There are a few myths floating around, so let’s clear the air.Chikungunya is not spread from person to person like the common cold. It spreads exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day, especially during early morning and late afternoon.Once infected, a person can act as a source of the virus for mosquitoes for about a week, and if bitten during this time, the mosquito can then pass the virus to others. That’s how outbreaks spiral so quickly.
Prevention: What actually works (and what doesn’t)
In the absence of a vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, prevention is the only powerful shield. WHO urges strong individual and community-level efforts.Here are key protective strategies:
- Eliminate stagnant water: Even a small amount in flower pots, buckets, or AC trays can become a mosquito nursery.
- Use mosquito repellents (containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Wear full-sleeved clothing, especially during peak mosquito hours
- Install mosquito screens on doors and windows
- Community fogging: In high-risk areas, authorities may use insecticide fogging to curb mosquito populations.
However, mere fogging isn’t enough if water containers continue to lie around unnoticed. Community awareness and cleanliness are the real game changers.
Chikungunya today: A climate crisis in disguise?
There’s growing evidence linking the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases to climate change. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are expanding the breeding grounds and survival time for Aedes mosquitoes.A 2024 report warns that rising global temperatures have pushed the tiger mosquito further north, reaching areas in southern Europe previously untouched.This is not just a public health issue anymore, it’s a climate-linked crisis. Public health experts are urging countries to strengthen disease surveillance, invest in early detection systems, and prepare healthcare infrastructure for large-scale outbreaks.(Inputs from agencies)(This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. For personal health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare provider.)
