Latest news with #Chikungunya
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
WHO sounds alarm on risk of chikungunya epidemic
GENEVA: The World Health Organisation warned on Tuesday a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The WHO said it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wanted to prevent a repeat. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases it can be deadly. "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," said the WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people. "Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge: since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already," she told a press briefing in Geneva. The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO. Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus was now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. "Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia," she added. In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France, and suspected cases detected in Italy. "Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself," said Rojas Alvarez. She noted that the case fatality rate was less than one percent, "but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands" of deaths. "We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks." Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population. Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon. The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed. - AFP
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus
Find out what's new on ST website and app. GENEVA - The World Health Organisation issued an urgent call for action on July 22 to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva. 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Dr Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in South-east Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Dr Rojas Alvarez said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya - for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue - and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. REUTERS
GMA Network
7 hours ago
- Health
- GMA Network
WHO sounds alarm on risk of chikungunya epidemic
A tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is photographed through a 20x optical microscope, in Moncada, Spain July 19, 2024. The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. REUTERS/ Eva Manez GENEVA — The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The WHO said it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wanted to prevent a repeat. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases it can be deadly. "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," said the WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people. "Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge: since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already," she told a press briefing in Geneva. 'Raising the alarm' The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO. Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus was now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. "Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia," she added. In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France, and suspected cases detected in Italy. "Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself," said Rojas Alvarez. She noted that the case fatality rate was less than one percent, "but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands" of deaths. "We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks." Tiger mosquitoes Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population. Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon. The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed. — Agence France-Presse
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 hours ago
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
WHO sounds alarm on risk of chikungunya epidemic - Health - Life & Style
The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. Related Dengue and chikungunya may soon become endemic in Europe The WHO said it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wanted to prevent a repeat. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases it can be deadly. "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," said the WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people. "Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge: since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already," she told a press briefing in Geneva. 'Raising the alarm' The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO. Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus was now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. "Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia," she added. In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France, and suspected cases detected in Italy. "Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself," said Rojas Alvarez. She noted that the case fatality rate was less than one percent, "but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands" of deaths. "We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks." Tiger mosquitos Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population. Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon. The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
RTHK
10 hours ago
- Health
- RTHK
HK, Macau & Guangdong in joint anti-mosquito campaign
HK, Macau & Guangdong in joint anti-mosquito campaign The Centre for Health Protection said it will take appropriate preventive and control measures to prevent the spread of Chikungunya fever in Hong Kong. File photo: RTHK The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on Tuesday said it is working closely with health authorities in Macau and Guangdong to fight the spread of Chikungunya fever. According to the World Health Organization, more than 220,000 cases had been recorded in 14 countries and regions, including about 80 fatal ones, as of early June. The Foshan Municipal Health Bureau announced that, as of last Sunday, there had been 2,285 confirmed cases there. Most cases were found in Shunde District. All cases were mild. The controller of the CHP, Edwin Tsui, said the SAR stayed informed with the latest development of the mosquito-borne disease in Guangdong province. Macau, meanwhile, recorded its first case of Chikungunya fever on Friday. It was classified as an imported case. 'Although no confirmed Chikungunya fever cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far this year, higher temperatures and rainfall in summer are expected to aggravate mosquito infestation in Hong Kong. Additionally, people travel more frequently during the summer holidays, including to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic," Tsui said. 'Consequently, there is an increased risk of imported cases and local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as Chikungunya fever and dengue fever. Members of the public are advised to take protection measures against mosquitoes, whether they're here or travelling outside of Hong Kong." Tsui said inspections have been stepped up at border control points to ensure good environmental hygiene, and temperature checks are conducted for inbound travellers. Travellers with fever will be referred to hospitals when necessary. The CHP will also provide the latest disease information and health advice to the tourism sector and airlines. The centre has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information. Doctors are urged to watch out for Chikungunya fever-related symptoms among people who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel, and to report cases to the Department of Health. An interdepartmental steering committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday to review the latest situation and anti-mosquito work of various departments.
