The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning as a dangerous mosquito-borne chikungunya Virus, is rapidly spreading across multiple regions — and it’s starting to mirror a global epidemic from 20 years ago.
With over 5.6 billion people now living in areas where Chikungunya Virus poses a threat, WHO says urgent action is needed to avoid a repeat of the 2004-2005 outbreak that spread across continents.
“We are seeing history repeating itself,” warned Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at WHO, speaking at a press briefing in Geneva.
Where Is the Virus Spreading?
The chikungunya virus is already surging in Indian Ocean island nations like:
- La Réunion (where a third of the population has already been infected)
- Mayotte
- Mauritius
It’s now spreading into East Africa, hitting Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and also reappearing in parts of India and Southeast Asia.
What’s especially concerning is that it’s now making its way into Europe:
- In France, more than 800 cases have been imported since May.
- 12 people have contracted the virus locally, meaning they were infected by mosquitoes within France, not while traveling.
- Italy has also confirmed its first local case.
What Is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a virus spread mainly by the Aedes mosquito, including the tiger mosquito that also carries dengue and Zika. These mosquitoes bite during the day, making the virus harder to avoid.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever
- Joint pain that can last for weeks or even months
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Skin rash
There’s no specific treatment or vaccine, which is why prevention is critical.
Why the WHO Is Worried
The current outbreak has eerily similar patterns to the one that swept the globe two decades ago — starting in small island nations and quickly expanding. WHO says if the world doesn’t act now, we could see chikungunya becoming a global crisis again.
“Imported cases are rising fast,” said Dr. Rojas Alvarez. “And with local mosquito populations in Europe, the threat of wider outbreaks is very real.”
How to Protect Yourself
Because there’s no cure, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the best defense. Here’s what you can do:
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers
- Keep windows and doors shut or use screens
- Get rid of standing water (mosquitoes breed in it)
- Sleep under mosquito nets, especially during daytime naps
Remember: These mosquitoes bite during the day, not just at night.
Why This Matters Globally
This isn’t just a local or regional issue anymore. The virus has shown it can travel with people, infect new areas, and thrive wherever mosquitoes live.
WHO is urging governments and health agencies to:
- Increase public awareness
- Strengthen mosquito control efforts
- Improve screening at borders
- Ensure quick detection and response to new cases
