6 days ago
WHO Issues Urgent Warning Over Re-Emerging Mosquito-Borne Virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the re-emergence of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus, warning that the world may be facing a repeat of a major outbreak that occurred two decades ago.
At a press conference in Geneva on Tuesday, Dr. Diana Alvarez, a medical officer at WHO, revealed that an estimated 5.6 billion people in 119 countries currently live in areas at risk of Chikungunya infection. The virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause high fever, joint pain, and even long-term disability.
'We are watching history repeat itself,' Dr. Alvarez said, referring to the 2004–2005 outbreak, which infected nearly half a million people—mostly on small islands—before spreading globally.
The latest wave began in early 2025 in the same Indian Ocean islands previously affected, including La Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. Alvarez noted that about one-third of La Réunion's population has already been infected.
The virus is now spreading in Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, with growing concern over its spread in Southeast Asia, particularly India.
Even more troubling is the recent appearance of Chikungunya cases in parts of Europe, indicating the virus is reaching new regions.
The word 'Chikungunya' comes from a local language and means 'to bend over' or 'to walk hunched,' due to the intense joint and muscle pain caused by the illness.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Chikungunya symptoms usually appear 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Common symptoms include:
Sudden high fever
Headache
Fatigue
Rash
Nausea
Red eyes
There is currently no specific treatment for the infection, although a vaccine has been approved in the United States. The WHO is urging global action to prevent another widespread outbreak.
