Latest news with #WorldHealthOrganisation
NDTV
an hour ago
- Health
- NDTV
Chikungunya: Joint Pain And Other Chronic Symptoms That Can Last For Months And Even Years
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Humid weather during the rainy season creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Furthermore, stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for these mosquitoes, increasing the risk of potential outbreaks. On July 22, the World Health Organisation called for urgent actions to prevent a fresh surge in chikungunya cases around the world. Symptoms of chikungunya High fever, joint pain, rash, muscle pain, headache and fatigue are common symptoms of chikungunya. Most people develop symptoms like a fever and joint pain within three to seven days of getting bitten. Chikungunya treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Chikungunya and arthritis-like joint pain Severe joint pain is one of the distinct symptoms of chikungunya. According to the World Health Organisation, joint pain is often debilitating and usually lasts for a few days but may be prolonged, lasting for weeks, months or even years. Many experience chikungunya-related joint pain for years, especially during extreme weather conditions. Older adults or those with pre-existing conditions are also likely to experience joint pain that can continue for months or even years after the acute infection, resulting in chronic pain conditions. The chikungunya virus triggers a strong immune response in the body, which can lead to inflammation and swelling around joints. Prevention tips for chikungunya Preventing chikungunya primarily involves protecting against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Key preventive measures include: Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or eucalyptus oil on exposed skin to reduce the chances of being bitten, especially when outdoors. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, full pants, and socks to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Keep surroundings clean and dry to reduce breeding grounds for not just mosquitoes but other disease-carrying vectors too. Ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out. Remove standing water around homes and communities to reduce mosquito breeding habitats. Stay indoors during peak hours when mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. While most individuals recover from chikungunya without lasting effects, some may face long-term complications, including arthritis-like symptoms.
West Australian
2 hours ago
- Health
- West Australian
WHO urges action as mosquito-borne chikungunya spreads
The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action 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 WHO medical officer, 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 Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of 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.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Health
- Perth Now
WHO urges action as mosquito-borne chikungunya spreads
The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action 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 WHO medical officer, 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 Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of 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.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Billions at risk of mosquito-borne virus that causes the body to ‘fold together', warns WHO – the 8 signs to spot
A KILLER virus that makes the body 'fold in on itself' is spreading fast and could soon affect billions across the globe, world health chiefs have warned. Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes crippling joint pain and leaves some victims riddled with deformities is tearing through parts of the Indian Ocean and edging closer to Europe. 4 4 The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it's seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. "We are seeing history repeating itself," said Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus. She explained that the bug is now spreading from Indian Ocean islands into Africa, Asia and Europe, and urged countries to act now to avoid billions falling ill. There is no treatment or jab for the disease, which in some cases can be fatal, especially for vulnerable people like newborns, older adults and those with underlying health conditions. The latest outbreak began in early 2025, with major surges in La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius - the same islands hammered in 2004. One-third of the population of La Reunion is thought to have already been infected. The virus has now spread to Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, with epidemic transmission also occurring in Southeast Asia, including India. "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," Dr Diana said. In Europe, officials are especially concerned about a spike in imported cases, and signs of the virus being transmitted locally. Since May 1, there have been around 800 imported chikungunya cases in mainland France, Dr Rojas Alvarez revealed. What is Chikungunya Even more worrying, there have been 12 local transmission episodes in several regions of southern France - meaning people were infected by mosquitoes in Europe, not while travelling. A case has also been detected in Italy, while the WHO says suspected cases have cropped up in other parts of the continent. Last year, Europe saw a sharp surge in mosquito-borne diseases — including dengue, West Nile, and malaria — with some infections doubling in just 12 months. Symptoms of chikungunya can be flu-like, which makes it hard to diagnose at first. But patients have also reported excruciating pain and swelling, especially in the hands and feet, which can cause the body to take on a hunched or 'folded' posture. In places where people have little or no immunity, up to three-quarters of the population can become infected, the WHO warned. "The case fatality rate is less than one percent, but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands," Dr Diana said. 4 "We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks." The tiger mosquito, which can also carry dengue and Zika, is spreading further north due to climate change, and is now found in parts of southern England, France, and Italy. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes, these biters are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. WHO is urging the public to take basic steps to protect themselves like using repellent, wearing long sleeves, and clearing standing water from buckets and containers where mozzies breed. Chikungunya: Signs and symptoms Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which spreads to humans through infected mosquitoes. Major outbreaks and scattered cases have been reported across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Now, with smaller flare-ups starting to appear in Europe, it's important to be aware of the symptoms. Not everyone infected with chikungunya will show symptoms, but for those who do, symptoms typically begin 4 to 8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include: Sudden onset of high fever Severe joint pain (often debilitating) Joint swelling, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet Muscle pain Headache Nausea Fatigue Rash Most patients recover fully from chikungunya infection, although occasional cases can involve serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, or nervous system. Some can also be left with deformities. Newborns, infected either during delivery or by mosquito bites shortly after birth, and older adults with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe disease. In such cases, hospitalisation may be necessary due to the risk of organ damage and even death.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Chikungunya virus alert: How a mosquito bite this monsoon can trigger severe arthritis-like pain that can last up to 5 years
A serious health warning is now being issued worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded an early alarm about the growing risk of a global chikungunya epidemic, a viral disease many have barely heard of, yet one that has already infected millions in the past and is now gaining pace once again. According to WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez, the early warning signs today are similar to those that preceded the explosive 2004-2005 chikungunya outbreak, which spread rapidly from small island nations to large populations across the globe. This time, the virus is making a strong comeback in Indian Ocean islands, parts of Africa, South Asia, and even parts of Europe. Here's all we need to know about what this warning truly means, what happens during chikungunya infection, who needs to be more cautious, and what steps can truly help reduce the risk. Understanding Chikungunya: Not just another fever Chikungunya is generally mistaken for dengue or Zika due to its overlapping symptoms, but it comes with its own set of severe challenges. Caused by the chikungunya virus, this disease spreads through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes known to transmit dengue and Zika. What sets chikungunya apart is the intensity of joint pain it causes. The word itself comes from a Makonde language and means 'to become contorted,' referring to the stooped posture of patients due to unbearable joint stiffness. In most cases, the illness lasts 7–10 days, but in some, joint pain can linger for months or even years, mimicking arthritis. Symptoms: What really happens when infected? WHO confirms that chikungunya symptoms generally appear 4 to 8 days after being bitten. These include: Sudden high fever Debilitating joint pain (especially in the hands and feet) Muscle pain Fatigue Rash Swelling of joints In rare cases, eye, heart, or neurological complications What remains hidden is the long-term burden this disease can place on individuals, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Joint pain that persists for months isn't just uncomfortable, it's disabling. Who is most at risk, and why it matters now more than ever As per WHO's latest assessment, 5.6 billion people across 119 countries are now at risk. This includes not only tropical regions but also parts of Europe and Asia, where the so-called tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is expanding due to climate change. The risk is especially high among: Elderly individuals, who are more prone to long-term joint complications Newborns, if infected during childbirth People with weakened immune systems Individuals in densely populated urban areas, where mosquito breeding thrives Recent data from La Réunion suggests nearly one-third of its population has already been infected in 2025 alone. With local transmission now occurring in France and Italy, the virus is no longer a distant tropical concern. How the virus spreads: Not through contact, but mosquitoes There are a few myths floating around, so let's clear the air. Chikungunya is not spread from person to person like the common cold. It spreads exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day, especially during early morning and late afternoon. Once infected, a person can act as a source of the virus for mosquitoes for about a week, and if bitten during this time, the mosquito can then pass the virus to others. That's how outbreaks spiral so quickly. Prevention: What actually works (and what doesn't) In the absence of a vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, prevention is the only powerful shield. WHO urges strong individual and community-level efforts. Here are key protective strategies: Eliminate stagnant water: Even a small amount in flower pots, buckets, or AC trays can become a mosquito nursery. Use mosquito repellents (containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) Wear full-sleeved clothing, especially during peak mosquito hours Install mosquito screens on doors and windows Community fogging: In high-risk areas, authorities may use insecticide fogging to curb mosquito populations. However, mere fogging isn't enough if water containers continue to lie around unnoticed. Community awareness and cleanliness are the real game changers. Chikungunya today: A climate crisis in disguise? There's growing evidence linking the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases to climate change. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are expanding the breeding grounds and survival time for Aedes mosquitoes. A 2024 report warns that rising global temperatures have pushed the tiger mosquito further north, reaching areas in southern Europe previously untouched. This is not just a public health issue anymore, it's a climate-linked crisis. Public health experts are urging countries to strengthen disease surveillance, invest in early detection systems, and prepare healthcare infrastructure for large-scale outbreaks. (Inputs from agencies) (This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. For personal health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare provider.)
