The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya, which is now being described as a pandemic centered in the Indian Ocean region.
According to the WHO, the disease is currently expanding beyond the region, with Europe and other parts of the world beginning to report infections. It is estimated that approximately 5.6 billion people living in 119 countries are at risk of contracting the virus.
Dr. Diana Rojas Álvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, stated in Geneva yesterday that the resurgence of Chikungunya can be recognized as a historic development. She highlighted that the last major global outbreak occurred during 2004–2005, when approximately 500,000 people were infected. During that period, the disease particularly affected island populations.
The current wave of infections reportedly began earlier this year, initially appearing in small island states in the Indian Ocean—La Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. Alarming reports indicate that one-third of La Réunion’s population has already been affected.
Dr. Rojas noted that the virus is now spreading to Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and is also making its way through South and Southeast Asia, including India.
She further warned that Chikungunya is now spreading within Europe as well—not only through travelers arriving from infected regions but also via local transmission. Since May 1, around 800 cases have been reported outside of France alone.
Chikungunya is transmitted through the Aedes mosquito and is characterized by high fever, severe joint pain, and long-lasting fatigue.
