WHO warns of global threat from chikungunya virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert over the rising threat of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that could trigger widespread outbreaks across continents.
Already present in 119 countries, chikungunya puts an estimated 5.6 billion people at risk. While its fatality rate is under 1%, the potential for rapid transmission means thousands could die if infections surge globally.
“Chikungunya is not widely known, but it poses a serious global threat,” said WHO official Diana Rojas Alvarez, noting that up to 75% of a population could be infected in areas with no prior immunity.
The virus, often misdiagnosed as dengue or Zika, is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, especially the tiger mosquito, which is expanding its range due to climate change. Infections typically cause high fever, severe joint pain, rashes, headaches, and muscle aches.
The WHO is urging countries to boost surveillance and prevention efforts now to avoid a repeat of past outbreaks, such as the 2004–2005 epidemic that spread from the Indian Ocean to multiple continents.
Recent outbreaks in 2025 in Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius—where up to a third of the population may be infected—underscore the urgency. The public is advised to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water to help curb the spread.
