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Times
2 hours ago
- Times
19 of the best places to visit in December
You've got one of two options when it comes to holidays in December: embrace the cold or escape it. And in the right setting, both are equally enjoyable. If you're going with the former then wrap up warm and head for European cities where mulled wine-fuelled Christmas markets are in full swing and higher altitude ski resorts have already started their season. If the latter is more your wavelength then be prepared to adjust your body clock as the balmiest spots will inevitably be long haul, with options ranging from Mexico to India. Need more inspiration? Here are a few spots that are just perfect for a December holiday. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Why go in December? For Christmas morning snorkels on the house reef Swap queuing in toy shops and online panic-buying for dolphin-spotting boat tours and swimming with manta rays. December — particularly the latter part — usually marks the beginning of the dry season in the Maldives (avoid the rains of May to November). Average temperatures drift from high 20Cs to low 30Cs and are very comfortable thanks to the fact you're never far from a cool ocean dip. Many resorts will have their own 'house reef' — a strip of coral teeming with sea life — so your dip can effortlessly extend into a wildlife-spotting excursion. The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort will often fly in top chefs, artists (to run workshops) and children's entertainers in December to make the festive season even more special. Tui has a great range of Maldives getaways — prices include flights and transfers to and from your accommodation. • Best hotels in the Maldives Why go in December? For quaint German-style markets mixed with superb Italian hospitality This curious mountain region sits on the border of Italy and Austria — and the traditions of both mix deliciously in the local culture (known as Ladin). No time is this blend more delightful than in December, when jolly Germanic markets meet hauntingly beautiful Italian carol concerts and, of course, a big food focus. The biggest Christmas market in Italy is found in the regional capital of Bolzano. But if you're after something a bit quieter, the pretty villages of Corvara and San Cassiano (in the Alta Badia ski area) host carol concerts and have endless cosy taverns. Hotel La Perla in Corvara has a rustic Michelin-starred restaurant and is considered one of the best hotels in the world. If you're lucky, the snow will be thick enough to allow runs on Alta Badia's well-groomed slopes. Crystal Ski has packages to a couple of typical chalet hotels in Corvara, beside Alta Badia's blue and red routes. • The best ski resorts in Italy Why go in December? For quirky celebrations and dazzling crafts Oaxaca state (and the capital city that shares its name) are the spiritual home of arts and crafts in Mexico. December is usually the driest and coolest time to visit, so it's a good opportunity to wander around Oaxaca city's creative museums (Museo Textil de Oaxaca, dedicated to regional textiles, is one of the best) or get out into the surrounding mountains. The petrified 'waterfalls' at Hierve el Agua, one of only two examples in the world, are truly stunning. For an off-beat festive celebration, pencil in La Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes) which takes place in Oaxaca each year on December 23. Locals compete to create the most elaborate sculptures carved from oversized radishes. Modern and comfortable, ArcoSodi Boutique Hotel is a short hop from the zocalo (main square) where the event takes place. Intrepid has a culture and cuisine-focused group tour travelling from Mexico City to Oaxaca (the city). • Best hotels in Mexico Why go in December? For many variations on a German-style Christmas Christmas markets in Berlin may not have been around for as long as in some other German cities, but they make up for it in variety. More than 80 take place around town, in locations from the glass façades of Potsdamer Platz (also a popular venue for ice-skating) to the quaint streets of Spandau in the western suburbs. You're never far from a glass of glühwein or lebkuchen, but you'll also find less traditional arts and crafts. Base yourself near the Kurfürstendamm to see the boulevard splendidly lit up, and to raid the vast candy counter at KaDeWe — the queen of Berlin department stores. Sir Savigny is a boutique hotel two blocks north of Kurfürstendamm, with a book-filled lounge and retro details in the rooms to create a sophisticated city bolt hole Jet2 has city break deals to Berlin with Christmas market-themed, flight-inclusive packages • Best affordable hotels in Berlin Why go in December? For a Junkanoo party to see out the year There's some nitpicking as to whether the Bahamas counts as a Caribbean country in purely geographical terms, but when it comes to culture there's no doubt. Proof comes at the end of December with street parades to match any carnival in the islands to the south. Bahamian Junkanoo celebrations take place mainly on December 26 and New Year's Day: a masquerade of dazzling costumes to the sound of goombay drums. It's a popular travel period with little rain. If you're staying on New Providence island, largely taken up by Nassau, try the SLS at Baha Mar. It's part of a complex of luxury beach hotels and is styled throughout for maximum Instagram appeal. On round trips from Port Canaveral in Florida, Princess Cruises' classy ships call at Nassau during circuits of the eastern Caribbean. • Best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas Why go in December? For architectural treasures in the home of Good King Wenceslas Of all the European capitals, Prague might have the best claim to look like a vintage Christmas card backdrop. Snow isn't a sure thing (it's more likely in January), but even without frosted roofs, this gothic-baroque medley looks atmospheric on short December days. During Advent only, a lamplighter does the rounds on the famous Charles Bridge at about 4pm. While Christmas is a busy period, earlier in the month is a cheaper time to arrive for markets and ice rinks in historic squares. The Mala Strana quarter, in the shadow of Prague Castle, has just as much labyrinthine appeal as the old town. On a cobbled square in Mala Strana, you'll find the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. It's spread across a cluster of buildings — the oldest going back 500 years — and staying in one of its 46 rooms and suites feels like waking up on the set of an opera. Consider booking your flights and hotel in one fell swoop through easyJet Holidays if you want to stay in the old town. • Discover our full winter sun holiday guide Why go in December? For river trips through temple-dotted countryside Laos is southeast Asia's only landlocked country, but with the mighty Mekong flowing through its length, river cruises are understandably popular. At this time of year there is very little rainfall but the rivers are still full, and temperatures are at their lowest — though still comfortably in the 20Cs. The one-time royal capital of Luang Prabang is a gateway to many river trips through the limestone cliff scenery of the north, and is also a top destination for culture with its gilded temples and lines of saffron-robed Buddhist monks. In the sleepy centre of Unesco World Heritage listed Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas has plenty of historic appeal, with 15 rooms and suites decorated in dark wood, and bikes for guests to explore the city. Ideal for beginners, Explore!'s small-group Highlights of Laos tour includes a guided morning walk around Luang Prabang. • Where's hot in December? Why go in December? For aurora-spotting and other winter activities in Swedish Lapland Sweden's northernmost county largely overlaps with the historic region of Lapland — and with the Arctic Circle running through it, anywhere north of that line has at least one day in December when you won't see any sun. The long nights are an advantage when spotting the northern lights, but even if this natural show proves elusive, Norrbotten has other winter marvels. Near the town of Kiruna in the north is the original Icehotel at Jukkasjarvi, while on the outskirts of the southern city of Lulea is the Unesco World Heritage listed Gammelstad, its dinky red cottages now under pillowy snow. One for the unusual stays bucket list: the Tree Hotel has eight boldly designed rooms perched high in a forest an hour's drive north of Lulea. If it simply must be the Icehotel, however, arrange your trip there with the Aurora Zone — an expert in holidays to Swedish Lapland • Christmas in Lapland: everything you need to know about visiting Santa Why go in December? For emerald beauty after the monsoons With an abundance of swaying coconut palms along its coast and backwaters, Kerala is India's most lushly tropical state. The six-month rainy season that allows all this to happen lifts in December, so this month is an obvious (and in-demand) time to visit. Backwater cruises in a kettuvallam (houseboat) are a highlight in Kerala, and the city of Alappuzha is a starting point for many. Purity at Lake Vembanad overlooks the famously long lake outside Alappuzha, and offers Ayurvedic treatments and morning yoga classes in its serene grounds. Great for Kerala first-timers, G Adventures' affordable group tour combines a Backwaters cruise with beaches and the elegant city of Kochi. • Best places to visit in India Why go in December? For Auld Lang Syne, and other ways to light up the night While the biggest party in the Scottish capital comes with the Hogmanay celebrations to see in the New Year, there's much to raise the spirits during the other 30 days of the month. With the sun gone before 4pm, it's up to the Christmas lights to brighten Edinburgh's old stone facades; the most spectacular decorations are on George Street. Out of the centre, the Royal Botanic Garden and Dalkeith Country Park are also transformed into night-time wonderlands. Back in the New Town, Christmas market stalls bring mulled wine and more to Princes Street Gardens. Set in two Victorian villas just outside the city-centre bustle, the Roseate Edinburgh showcases seasonal Scottish produce and rare single malts. Newmarket Holidays operates guided group tours focused on Edinburgh at Christmas, with plenty of time for exploration. • Best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas Why go in December? For New England villages decked out in baubles and snow Russet-coloured leaves might be New England's signature seasonal look, but the region is a winter beauty, too. In the mountains of Vermont, around one in three December days are snowy, and the lead-up to the 25th sees many of the state's small towns decorated to the nines. Ski resorts such as Stowe usually start their season towards the end of November, and other winter activities away from the groomed runs include cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and dog-sledding. It's enough to justify more maple syrup on your breakfast pancakes. Running since 1833, the Green Mountain Inn is set in a complex of historic buildings in the original centre of Stowe, seven miles from the ski resort, and is filled with four-poster beds and other traditional touches. Arrange a private, self-drive itinerary tailored to your preferences through American Sky. • Discover our full guide to the US Why go in December? For tropical Christmas traditions at the start of the dry season Christmas festivities may look a little different in an equatorial country, but Colombia's temperatures are graded less by month and more by altitude: from ones that nurture coconut palms on the coast, to cooler climes in the highland capital Bogota or among the aromatic plantations of the Zona Cafetera. On the night of December 7, the festival of Dia de las Velitas sees towns and cities adorned with little candles and coloured lanterns. Centuries-old Cartagena is queen of the Caribbean coast, where the nationwide tapering off of the September-November rainy season is especially marked. Graceful, antique-filled Hotel Casa del Arzobispado is a colonial-era original in the walled city of Cartagena, with a pool in the central patio. Crystal Cruises has a seven-night, pre-Christmas Caribbean voyage that heads south from Barbados to conclude amid the majesty of Cartagena. • Is Colombia safe for travellers? Why go in December? For big-ticket spectacles and mild winter days National Day on December 2 marks the independence of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, celebrated today with fireworks, LED shows and displays of heritage in this Gulf state where the contrast between old and new is so marked. It's also usually around this time that the most populous of the emirates, Dubai, hosts its part of the Rugby Sevens series. With the oppressive summer heat gone, and average temperatures in the 20Cs, this month is generally a more pleasant time to venture beyond air-conditioned spaces. Building traditional Arabian elements into a modern design, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection is super-close to the action around the Dubai Mall and the world-record skyscraper Burj Khalifa. If you'd like to see more of the Arabian Gulf, the affordable, independent line Celestyal Cruises operates eight-day tours in the region, visiting several of the Emirates as well as Qatar. • Best things to do in Dubai Why go in December? For timeless delights in the Eternal City Christmas and New Year are usually chilly in Rome (around 8C), though still a tad warmer than many other European cities in December. The Christmas tree custom is slowly catching on in Italy: there are splendid examples in St Peter's Square (thanks originally to Polish Pope John Paul II) and outside the Colosseum. Rome certainly goes in for lavish nativity scenes, plus panettone and other seasonal sweets. Stay among the tight-knit streets around Campo de' Fiori and you'll be equidistant from the Vatican and Roman Forum, near the Christmas market at Piazza Navona, and also Hanukkah celebrations in Rome's old Jewish quarter. Behind an ivy-covered façade, the Boutique Hotel Campo de' Fiori is cosy and unapologetically indulgent, with velvet drapes and gilded mirrors. For a glamorous, eco-friendly holiday, how about travelling to Rome by rail with the flight-free specialist — perhaps also exploring Turin or Venice? • Best hotels in Rome Why go in December? For a wonder of nature at its fullest flow The world's largest waterfall system is a year-round wonder, but December marks the start of its mightiest performance. The trade-off is having to dodge heavy rain showers and sweat out the height of tropical heat, as well as working around busy South American Christmas holidays. Though the Argentine side accounts for the greatest share of the falls, and the best trails to their thunderous heart, the Brazilian portion has more spray-free viewpoints, helicopter rides, and a bigger choice of facilities in its gateway town. The answer, of course, is to visit both national parks. Of the two hotels right by the falls, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas on the Brazilian side edges it for its country-estate style and chance to stroll to viewpoints ahead of the tour buses. Along with Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, the Falls are one of the headliners on Riviera Travel's three-country Grand Tour of South America. • Guide to Iguazu Falls: everything you need to know Why go in December? For summer adventure in epic scenery The start of the southern hemisphere summer brings changes all across New Zealand, but nowhere more so than in the mountains of the South Island. Although Aoraki/Mount Cook and the other highest peaks should keep their crowns of snow, at middle altitudes the way is open for hikes such as the legendary Routeburn Track. Visitor attractions get particularly busy as Christmas holidays approach, so if you can, go earlier in the month to enjoy outdoor activity hotspots such as Queenstown and Te Anau. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel offers sophisticated rooms, some with views of the peaks of the Remarkables, a short walk from the centre of Queenstown. On Titan's country-crossing Best of New Zealand tour, you'll gasp at Mount Cook's Tasman Glacier — one of the biggest outside the Himalayas. • Best things to do in New Zealand Why go in December? For old-world atmosphere in an under-the-radar European capital The square at the historic heart of the Slovak capital is less well known than its Prague old town equivalent, but visit in December and you'll also find it cheerily decked out with Christmas market stalls against a backdrop of stately baroque and art nouveau buildings. There's no guarantee of white rooftops (snow-seekers should add on a trip to the peaks of Tatra National Park on the border with Poland), but this is definitely the time of year when typical dishes such as goulash most hit the spot. And with Vienna just 75 minutes or so by boat along the Danube, what better chance for two-in-one, compare-and-contrast Christmas market shopping? A short stroll from the old town and the Danube riverside, Marrol's Boutique Hotel has the vibe of a traditional club with a crackling fireplace and deep armchairs. Alternatively, stay in the old town on a cost-effective break with Expedia which includes flights to the city. • Discover our full guide to BratislavaWhy go in December? For street parties and beach time in the Caribbean The islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines are a trusty ticket to winter sun, but also bring a uniquely Caribbean twist to Christmas. The shimmying starts on December 16 and the Nine Mornings Festival rewards early risers with dances and steel band concerts, and the all-important tradition of a sea bath. The country is divided between St Vincent, mountainous and jungle-clad, but also where most Vincentians live and play, and the Grenadines — smaller islands such as Canouan and celebrity magnet Mustique, where you're more likely to find white sands. Bequia (pronounced 'beck-way') is one of the largest islands, and a happy compromise of glorious beaches and local culture. It was affected by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, but the Foreign Office says that 'services have returned to normal' there. Bequia Beach Hotel gives right on to the crescent-shaped beach at Friendship Bay, and is decorated inside to evoke the era of steamer trunks, rattan armchairs and slowly twirling ceiling fans. From Kingstown, the country's capital, ferry-based excursions to Bequia are available on P&O's Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise. • Best hotels in St Vincent and the Grenadines Why go in December? For beaches and nature With summer just beginning in South Africa, temperatures are at a manageable average high of 27C in Cape Town. It's warm enough if you want to head to the coast — and there are some gorgeous beaches just outside of the main centre — but also affords some cooler days if hiking up Table Mountain is on your agenda. Don't restrict yourself to city perimeters, though. Hire a car and you're in the Cape winelands in under an hour, or go further south to the tip of the Cape Peninsula where, at the Cape of Good Hope, you'll feel like you're at the end of the world. Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront is moments from the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and there's a great collection of bars and restaurants in the area. Tui has a welter of package holiday options in Cape Town, from apartments to luxury hotels lining Table Bay. • Best things to do in Cape Town
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability. (Pixabay pic) GENEVA : The World Health Organisation issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday 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, 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, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast 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, Rojas Alvarez said. 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.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
WHO sounds alarm on risk of chikungunya epidemic
A health worker fumigates insecticide to control mosquito breeding amid dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (EPA Images pic) 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 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.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates will introduce third daily flight to Mauritius
Emirates has announced it will introduce a third daily flight to Mauritius, starting on 1 December. The additional service, to be operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft as EK709/710, will complement existing schedules and support the travel plans of Emirates customers planning trips to the popular destination from across its network of more than 140 points. Emirates currently serves Mauritius with two daily services aboard its flagship A380 aircraft, operating as EK701/702 and EK703/704. The addition of the third daily service, under a codeshare arrangement with Air Mauritius, will provide convenient flight timings to support travel itineraries and enable seamless connectivity for customers from the Middle East, Europe and the Americas travelling to the Indian Ocean holiday spot. The additional daily service will also provide seamless connections from and to Far East markets, where Emirates will actively promote the destination to audiences in Japan, China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Passengers can now book seats to the exotic island destination in First Class, Business Class and Economy Class on flight EK709, to operate daily and departing Dubai at 06:55 hrs and arriving in Mauritius at 13:40 hrs. Flights from Mauritius, operating as EK710, will depart Mauritius at 18:30 hrs and arrive in Dubai at 01:10 hrs the next day. All times are local. Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: 'We would like to thank the Mauritian authorities for making an additional daily service possible. We have been proudly serving Mauritius since 2002 and our double daily A380 services have been a major success and contributor to the growth of the country's tourism industry. The additional daily service on our wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft will enable a more than 30 percent increase in capacity on the route, while also providing additional flight options for leisure and business travellers to seamlessly connect to flights.' 'We recently reaffirmed our codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius and our shared commitment to putting the destination on the global stage by facilitating steady growth in tourist demand for visits to Mauritius. We are also pleased to support and complement the operations of the national carrier, whose services have contributed to our success on this route. The additional daily service will allow both airlines to meet demand from global travellers.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
WHO sounds alarm on risk of chikungunya epidemic
GENEVA, Switzerland — 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 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.
