Chikungunya Virus Emerges as Next Global Health Threat: WHO Issues Urgent Warning

Just as the world begins to recover from the devastating impact of COVID-19, a new global health threat is looming—the Chikungunya virus, now reported in 119 countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In a recent press briefing in Geneva, WHO expert Diana Rojas Alvarez warned that Chikungunya poses a serious risk of becoming the next global pandemic. The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, causes high fever and intense joint pain and can be debilitating or even fatal in some cases.

“This is a disease that many people have never heard of, but it is now threatening the health of 5.6 billion people worldwide,” Alvarez said.

She highlighted disturbing similarities between current patterns and the 2004–2005 outbreak, when chikungunya severely affected Indian Ocean islands and spread globally, infecting over 500,000 people.

Since the beginning of 2025, significant outbreaks have already been reported in Reunion Island, Mayotte, and Mauritius. Health officials now fear that one-third of Reunion’s population could be affected.

In Africa, countries such as Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya are also seeing rapid transmission. Meanwhile, in South Asia, the virus has reached epidemic proportions in some regions.

Cases have even been confirmed in Europe. France has reported local transmission, especially among individuals returning from Indian Ocean islands, while suspected cases have emerged in Italy.

Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

Chikungunya’s symptoms closely resemble those of dengue and Zika virus, making early diagnosis difficult. The WHO says this similarity can delay treatment and increase the risk of widespread infection.

With global travel and climate conditions favouring mosquito populations, experts stress the urgency of preventive measures, early diagnosis, and public awareness.

WHO is calling on governments to scale up surveillance, vector control, and healthcare readiness to prevent a repeat of the COVID-19 experience.