After its spread in Europe: Health authorities warn of the risk of chikungunya infection

Health authorities warn of the risk of chikungunya infection.

After its spread in Europe... What is the chikungunya virus?

European health authorities have warned travelers of the risk of chikungunya infection, after cases were recorded in France and Italy. The World Health Organization expressed growing concern about the virus and issued new guidelines for healthcare providers on how to manage infected people.

France has recorded 30 cases of chikungunya this year on its territory and on the island of Corsica, while Italy has recorded only one case, according to The Independent. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a doctor at the World Health Organization, told reporters in Geneva that approximately 5.6 billion people live in areas at risk of the virus in 119 countries. The British newspaper The Independent reported that health officials across Europe have warned travelers of the virus, while Britain has released a new vaccine against chikungunya.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated that the dengue and chikungunya viruses arrived in Europe via travelers who had contracted the virus outside the continent and then traveled to European countries where mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present after biting them. The ECDC explained: "The risk of local transmission of chikungunya and dengue viruses is increasing."

What is chikungunya virus?

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Most cases are found in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with Brazil leading the number of cases with more than 141,000, followed by Argentina with more than 2,500 cases in 2025 so far, according to The Independent.

In total, approximately 220,000 cases of chikungunya and 80 associated deaths have been recorded in 14 countries since the beginning of the year. The French islands of La Réunion and Mayotte, located off the east coast of Africa, have been particularly hard hit, with 51,000 cases recorded by May 2025.

What are the symptoms of the virus?

According to The Independent, "chikungunya" means "the one who bends," referring to the stooped posture of those infected due to severe joint pain. The word is derived from the language of the Mokunde people of Tanzania, where the virus was first discovered in the 1950s. Those infected with the virus experience joint pain, sudden fever, joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and a rash.

Most people recover fully after infection, but in rare cases, complications occur in the eyes, heart, or nervous system, especially in newborns and the elderly with chronic diseases. Once recovered from the virus, a person becomes immune to reinfection.

Is there a vaccine for chikungunya?

The British government recently approved vaccines against the virus, according to The Independent. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to attack the virus. The vaccine requires a prescription and is given to people planning to travel to areas where chikungunya is prevalent.

Last month, the British government announced a temporary restriction on the use of the vaccine for people over the age of 65 as a precaution. To prevent mosquito bites, the World Health Organization recommends using insecticides, wearing full-body clothing, and installing screens on windows and doors.